Planned Parenthood Consent Form – Everybody should be able to make informed decisions regarding their medical care. Medical treatments can be invasive, so patients should be able to decide in light of known risks as well as their own personal preferences, how they will be treated. Thus, before medical personnel are allowed to provide treatment to patients they must receive what is known as informed consent.
Informed consent is a legal requirement in which patients are provided with specific information regarding the condition of their body as well as the treatment that is recommended by the doctor in charge. After receiving this information the patient is required to provide the physician with consent to treat before any form of care is given. Without the patient’s informed consent any health professional is not permitted to offer treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In some instances patients may not have the ability to comprehend the options for treatment and the potential risks and benefits associated with each one. In other cases patients might not be able communicate their decisions to the health workers. In such situations the patient is said not to have adequate capacity to make decisions. The family member, or court appointed representative could then be able to take over informed consent.
Patients who are influenced by their emotions, such as anxiety or fear for instance are deemed not having the capacity for decision-making. Those who are unconscious clearly can’t make decisions on alone, and external parties have to give consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Planned Parenthood Consent Form
Certain elements are generally included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical diagnosis/condition
The procedure recommended by the medical professional in charge
The risks and benefits that come with this method of treatment
Alternative treatments that are available, as well as their benefits and risks
The potential risks and rewards with not accepting any treatment at all
Not only should these details be recorded in the documentation, but they must also communicated with the person receiving the treatment. So, he will be able to comprehend the particulars of the case and get straight answers to any questions that be arising.