1. Bridie Woolnough Resolution Officer Health Care Complaints Commission
Consent for treatment What patients and carers need to know about informed consent?
Bridie Woolnough Resolution Officer Health Care Complaints Commission

2. What is informed consent?
A voluntary decision to receive specific medical care that is based on a reasonable understanding of the general nature and effect of the treatment, the alternatives and the risks and benefits involved.

3. What are my rights?
Competent adult’s have the legal right to give or refuse consent to treatment.
Health care providers should obtain consent before providing treatment in most situations.
Treatment given where a person has refused consent may constitute an assault or battery.

4. Informed consent: Health providers role
Health provider’s need to :
explain the treatment, significant risks and alternatives in a way the patient can understand.
check the patient understands what they are consenting to.
obtain informed consent or other valid authority before examining, testing or treating a person.
ensure that patients are informed about fees and charges before undertaking treatment.

5. Informed consent: Patient’s role
Patients should:
ensure they understand the treatment being proposed, particularly any significant risks, before providing consent.
let their health provider know if they don’t understand what they are recommending.
not consent to treatment they don’t want.
be open and honest about their symptoms and any conditions which may affect their treatment.

6. Capacity to consent
To give informed consent, a person must have the capacity to understand and communicate what they are agreeing to.
Children under 14 are considered to lack capacity to consent to their own treatment. A 14 – 18 year old may have capacity.
Some people with an impairment in the functioning of their brain, whether permanent or temporary, may lack capacity to consent.

7. Substitute decision makers
Substitute decisions makers:
can make a decision about treatment on behalf of a person who lacks capacity.
should make an informed decision in the persons best interests after considering all of the relevant information.
Must have the legal authority to act in this role.

8. When substitute consent is not required
Substitute consent is not required for:
Urgent treatment needed to save a persons life or prevent serious damage to their health.
Minor treatment that is necessary and in the persons best interests and which the person who lacks capacity does not object to, if there is no person responsible or they cannot be contacted.
tests or treatment required under certain legislation, such as the Mental Health Act.

9. Informed consent for children
Consent for treatment must be obtained from a child’s parent or legal guardian until they turn 14 .
Consent can be obtained from one or both parents (regardless of marriage status), unless a Court Order has been made which stipulates that one parent has sole responsibility.
For children in care, the person or agency with ‘parental responsibility’ can consent.

10. Informed consent for young people
From the age of 14, a minor may be mature enough to give their own consent.
Medical and dental practitioners should assess whether they are capable of consenting and if not, should seek the consent of their parent or guardian.
A young person’s valid consent cannot be overruled by their parents.
From 16, the consent of a minor is generally viewed as sufficient.

11. Informed consent for adults who lack capacity
A person responsible can consent to medical treatment on behalf of the person. They can also refuse consent.
Medical and dental practitioners should determine who the person responsible is and obtain informed consent from them prior to treating the person.
The NSW Guardianship Tribunal can provide consent or appoint a guardian if a person responsible can’t be identified.

12. Identifying a person responsible
A person responsible can be a:
Public or private guardian appointed by the NSW Guardianship Tribunal/ Supreme Court.
Enduring guardian appointed by the person prior to them losing capacity.
Spouse/ defacto , or in their absence an unpaid carer, then family member or friend. The person responsible must have a close and continuing relationship with the person.

13. Financial consent
When the health service provider gives full explanations about the fees and the patient or decision maker agrees to go ahead with the treatment, they are giving 'informed financial consent'.
However:
Costs could increase if there are complications in your treatment.

15. References
Medical Board of Australia (2010), Good Medical Practice: A Code of Conduct for Doctors in Australia
National Health and Medical Research Council (2004), General Guidelines for medical practitioners on providing information to patients
Consumers Health Forum of Australia (2012), Informed Financial Consent discussion paper
NSW Health Department Policy Directive (2005), Consent to Medical Treatment - Patient Information

16. Useful links Health Consumers of Australia Medical Board of Australia
NSW Health
Public Guardian