Client Rights: Informed Consent
There are certain situations when a person receiving services is required to provide written, informed consent. This means the person understands, writes, and signs a statement declaring they agree to a treatment, for example. Or if they agree to release their records. The person must sign by choice.
A legal guardian or parent can provide consent:
- If a person receiving services is under 18 in some situations.
- If they can’t understand what the statement says.
Learn how the state defines informed consent
Situations that require informed consent
These are the situations when a person receiving services must provide written, informed consent:
- Performing labor that is financially beneficial to the facility
- Receiving medicine and treatment (unless court-ordered)
- Undergoing experimental research
- Receiving psychosurgery or other drastic treatment procedures
- Releasing treatment records
- Being filmed or taped
- Undergoing customary treatment techniques and procedures