Informed consent is the process in which a patient is given clear, accurate information about a treatment or procedure, understands the risks and benefits, and voluntarily agrees to accept or refuse.
Tips & Links
In BC, an adult is considered capable of giving consent once they reach the age of majority, which is 19 years old. However, even if someone is of legal age, they must be mentally capable of providing informed consent. Informed consent can be given verbally, in writing, or sometimes inferred from conduct, depending on the situation.
Learn About
The Health Care Consent and Care Facility Admission Act is the primary legislation governing informed consent in BC.
Components of Informed Consent:
- Explanation of the medical condition.
- Description of the proposed treatment.
- Potential risks and benefits of the treatment.
- Alternative treatment options, including no treatment.
- Opportunity to ask questions and get clear answers.
- Option to refuse treatment and seek another opinion.
Guidelines for Patients
- Make sure you fully understand medical terms, risks, and benefits before giving consent.
- Understand that you might be asked for consent for tests, treatments, surgeries, blood transfusions, a Do Not Resuscitate or No CPR Order, or being an organ donor.
- Request an interpreter if needed to ensure you understand all the information.
- Ask for help from a health advocate or substitute decision-maker if a health change affects your ability to consent.
- Use evidence-based information to help you make decisions and verify your findings with health care professionals.
- Know that you have the right to withdraw consent at any time without penalty, as outlined by the Canada Health Act and Patient Bill of Rights.
- Know that your privacy and confidentiality should be protected by health care providers, researchers, and staff.
- Ensure that your informed consent is properly documented and that you have time to understand the forms you are signing.
Get More Information
- Learn about informed consent from Nidus BC.
- Teach youth and younger adults about giving consent and receiving consent from Healthlink BC.
- Learn how the Infant Act allows consent for capable minors over 12 years of age from Healthlink BC.