Primary purpose is to enhance patient protection

Patients have the right to information about their care

and can ask questions before a procedure.

In case of emergency when a client cannot give consent,

then consent is implied through emergency laws

Minors (under age 18), consent must be obtained from a

parent or legal guardian.
The diagnosis or condition that requires treatment

The purpose of the treatment

What the client can expect to feel or experience

The intended benefits of the treatment

Possible risk or negative outcomes of the treatment

Advantages and disadvantages of possible alternatives to the

treatment (including no treatment)
Expressed consent
Oral
Verbal
 Usually, the more invasive a procedure or the greater the potential for risk to
the client, the greater the need for written permission.

Implied consent
The individual’s behavior indicates agreement
 Example: extending the arm when the health care provider asks the client
permission to examine his blood pressure
Consent is also implied in a medical emergency when an individual
cannot provide express consent because of physical condition.
Consent must be given voluntarily

Consent must be given by an individual who has the

capacity and competence to understand

The individual must be given enough information to be

the ultimate decision maker
Minors (<18 years old)

Individuals who are unconscious or injured in such way

that they can not give consent

People with mental illness who have been judged by

health professionals to be incompetent
When the patient is incapacitated

During life-threatening emergencies

Voluntarily waived consent

1. Spouse

2. Son or daughter of legal age

3. Either parent

4. Brother or sister of legal age

5. Guardian
A legal document that creates ongoing communication
between a patient and provider.

This implies a provider has given appropriate information

about their condition and treatment options, and the
patient has made a decision that best suits their needs
and preferences.
Nurses are NOT responsible for explaining the procedure

Nurses act as WITNESS to the signing of consent form

Presence of the nurse’s signature confirms 3 aspects:

1. That the client gave consent voluntarily
2. That the client’s signature is authentic (the client is the one who
signed the consent form)
3. That the client appears competent to give consent (client is of
sound mind and of legal age)