Informed Consent
Definition: The process of providing a resident or their legal representative with sufficient information about a proposed treatment, procedure, or action to make a knowledgeable decision, including risks, benefits, alternatives, and the right to refuse.
In Practice
Informed consent is a fundamental resident right. Facilities must ensure that residents understand proposed treatments and can make voluntary decisions. Consent must be documented and may be withdrawn at any time. Special considerations apply for residents with diminished decision-making capacity.