Revising Our Language About Informed Consent

Does our language about informed consent create confusion about it?  Therapists and other mental health professionals often ask how they should “deliver” or “give” informed consent to patients.  But in fact, informed consent is something you receive — “consent from an informed patient.”  This workshop lets us practice fitting our language to the concept as we consider the what/when/how of informed consent, whether in the initial interview, or when subsequently obtaining consent for something.

INTRODUCTION:
Confused Language & Frequent Misunderstandings
About Informed Consent

1. Ethical Standards

2. The Concept of  “Truly Informed Consent”

3. Informing the Patient

What must we inform patients about?

How much information is necessary?

Must the information be presented in writing?

4. Obtaining the Informed Patient’s Consent

Consent to Receive Services

Consent to Accept the Described Policies and Fees

Consent to Accept the Described Limits of Confidentiality

Consent to Release Confidential Information to Others

Other Consent Circumstances

5. Other Ethical Implications

Preparing to Inform Patients

Aware of Ethical Requirements About What Information to Provide

Prepared to Incorporate Information re: Relevant Laws & Regulations

Assessing Patient’s Capacity to Understand the Information

Assessing Patient’s Capacity to Give Consent

EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
1. Describing and describing the informed consent process
2. Listing therapists’ responsibilities in that process
3. Naming some of the ethical implications and pitfalls related to informed consent in various contexts