Consent Decree Form – Everyone should have the ability to make educated decisions about their health. Medical treatments can be quite demanding, and therefore patients should be able, in the end, to decide from the facts about risks that their bodies should be treated. In order to ensure that medical professionals are allowed to provide treatment to patients they must receive the so-called informed consent.
Informed consent is a legal condition where a patient is provided with specific information regarding his or her physical health and the treatment suggested by the treating physician. Once this information is received the patient is required to sign a consent form with the doctor to treat before any form of treatment is given. Without the patient’s informed consent the health professional cannot provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances the patients aren’t equipped with the knowledge to fully comprehend their treatment options , as well as the potential risks and benefits associated with each one. In other circumstances, patients may not be able to communicate their decisions to the health care professionals. If this happens patients are said to lack the necessary capacity to make decisions. If a family member is not present, or court appointed representative can take over informed consent.
Patients who are greatly influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear, for instance are deemed lacking the ability to make decisions. Those who are unconscious clearly are unable to make decisions on their own. Therefore, outside parties require consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Consent Decree Form
There are certain elements that are commonly included in informed consent forms:
The diagnosis or medical condition of the patient.
The recommended treatment is suggested by the doctor in charge
The risks and benefits associated with this procedure
Alternative treatments are available, along with their benefits and risks
The dangers and advantages of refusing treatment at all
These details must not only be documented, but they must also be discussed with the patient. This way, he or can fully comprehend all the details of the scenario and will be able to get immediate answers to any issues that may be arising.
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