How Long Does A Signed Consent Form Last – Everyone should be able to make informed choices about their health. Medical treatments can be quite demanding, and therefore patients should be able to decide according to the known risks, how their bodies will be treated. Thus, before medical personnel are permitted to administer treatments to patients, they need to receive the so-called informed consent.
A patient’s informed consent can be a legally binding condition under which a patient has been provided with a full and complete description of his or her physical condition and the treatment suggested by the treating physician. After receiving this information patients must sign a consent form with the doctor to treat before any form of treatment can be provided. Without the patient’s informed consent, a health care provider is not permitted to provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances patients may not have the capabilities to fully understand their treatment options , as well as the risks and benefits that come with each one. In some instances, patients may not be able explain their decisions to health care professionals. If this happens the patient is said to lack the necessary decision making capacity. If a family member is not present, or court-appointed representative in this case, can perform informed consent instead.
Patients who are greatly influenced by their emotions – such as anxiety or fear for instance can be deemed to not having the capacity to make decisions. The patients who are unconscious can’t make decisions on own. Therefore, outside parties must provide consent for treatment instead.
Items in an How Long Does A Signed Consent Form Last
There are certain elements that are universally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical conditions/diagnosis
The treatment recommended by the acting physician
The risks and the benefits associated with this procedure
Alternative treatments that are offered, as are their potential risks and benefits
The benefits and risks associated with accepting no treatment whatsoever
Not only must these items be recorded in the patient’s medical records However, they should also discuss the situation with patients. So, he will be able to comprehend what is happening and receive direct responses to any queries that might be arising.