How Long Is A Signed Consent Form Valid For – Everyone should have the ability to make informed choices about their healthcare. Medical procedures can be risky, therefore patients should be able to determine according to the known risks that their bodies should be treated. In order to ensure that medical professionals can be able to treat their patients, they have to obtain what is known as informed consent.
Informed consent , a requirement in law is the requirement under which a patient has been provided with detailed information about the physical condition and the treatment recommended by the acting physician. After receiving this information the patient is required to give the doctor their consent to treat prior to any form of treatment can be administered. Without the patient’s informed consent any health professional is not permitted to provide treatments.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances patients may not have the knowledge to fully comprehend their treatment options , as well as the risks/benefits of each. In other situations, patients may not be able communicate their decision to health workers. In these situations the patient is considered to lack the necessary capacity for decision-making. If a family member is not present, or court-appointed representative, in this case, can take over informed consent.
Patients who are strongly affected by their emotions, such as anxiety or fear, for example could be classified as not able to make decisions. The patients who are unconscious cannot make decisions on independent of themselves, so outsiders require consent for treatment instead.
Items in an How Long Is A Signed Consent Form Valid For
There are certain elements that are included on all informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical conditions/diagnosis
The treatment suggested by the doctor in charge
The risks and the benefits associated with this treatment
Alternative treatments that are offered, as are their potential risks and benefits
The dangers and advantages with refusing treatment whatsoever
Not only must these items be documented in a written document But they also need to communicated with the person receiving the treatment. This way, he can fully comprehend the specifics of the situation and can get direct answers to any concerns that might be arising.