Dd Form 1966 Page 4 Parental Consent – Everyone should have the ability to make informed choices about their healthcare. The medical procedures can be invasive, so patients should be able to determine in light of known risks and the way their bodies will be treated. In order to ensure that medical professionals can administer treatments to patients, they must obtain the process of informed consent.
Informed consent , a requirement in law is the condition in which patients are provided with detailed information about his or her physical health and the treatment recommended by the doctor in charge. Once this information is received patients must sign a consent form with the doctor to treat prior to any form of treatment can be provided. Without the patient’s informed consent the health professional is not allowed to provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain situations patients may not have the skills to comprehend their treatment options , as well as the benefits and risks associated with each. In other circumstances patients may not be able explain their decisions to health care professionals. Under these circumstances patients are said not to have adequate decision making capacity. If a family member is not present, or court appointed representative could then be able to make informed consent on behalf of the patient.
Patients who are heavily influenced by their emotions, like anxiety or fear, as an example could be classified as not having the capacity for decision-making. Those who are unconscious clearly can’t make decisions on independently, and other people need to consent to treatment instead.
Items in an Dd Form 1966 Page 4 Parental Consent
There are certain elements that are universally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical conditions/diagnosis
The treatment that is recommended by the doctor in charge
The risks and advantages associated with this method of treatment
Alternative treatments are also available, as well as their risks and benefits
The risks and benefits that come with not accepting any treatment at all
Not only should these details be documented however, they must been discussed by the patient. This way, he or can be fully aware of all the details of the scenario and will be able to get immediate answers to any concerns that might have arisen.