What is consent?
A written or verbal formal agreement to the medical or surgical course of action proposed
Who can give consent?
A registered owner who is over 18 years old
How does the the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (England and Wales) and 2000 (Scotland) relate to consent?
A person unable of making a decision because of an impairment of, or disturbance in the functioning of the brain: permanent or temporary cannot give consent to a procedure
What is the law regarding under 16 year olds and giving consent?
A person under 16 years old should never be asked to sign a consent form, a parent/guardian signature is required
What are the rules regarding 16-17 year olds and giving consent?
Consent should only be given under a veterinary surgeons discretion because you can legally own an animal from 16 years old
How does a client give informed consent?
- Oral, written or implied consent
- Signed contract
- Aware of all associated costs
- Understanding and awareness of risks
- Having the opportunity to ask questions
- Aware of public health implications
- Given the full range of options
What should be included on a consent form?
- Clear written information
- Who
- What
- When
- Where
- Initial cost
- Out of hours location and contacts
- In-patient care information
What is your part of the deal within the client relationship?
- Take all reasonable care
- Complete CPD
- Work within areas of own competence
- Record all information
- Provide all treatment options
- Keep the client informed
- Treat clients fairly and without discrimination
- Recognise that the client has freedom of choice
