Page 99 - Registrar Orientation Manual 2016

Document reference:
1969
Effective date:
30 Mar 2010
Expiry date:
01 Jun 2013
Page:
7 of 24
Title:
Informed consent
Type:
Policy
Version:
03
Authorising initials:
2.1. When is written consent
required?
disorders, serial infusions after cancer therapy) a single composite consent is sufficient.
 A Not For Resuscitation order must not be made unless, where possible and appropriate, the patient has first been given the opportunity of giving informed consent. Refer to the Waikato DHB Resuscitation / Not For Resuscitation policy for further information relating to consent in this circumstance.
 The informed consent of the family is required for a non-coronial post- mortem examination to proceed
Refer to the Waikato DHB Care of the Deceased / Tūpāpaku policy for further information relating to consent in this circumstance.
 When a patient is treated under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 the patient must give informed consent for procedures required to treat conditions that are not mental disorders. In these circumstances the usual consent requirements apply.
 Written informed consent is legislatively required if:
- the patient is to participate in any research or
- the procedure is experimental or
- the patient will be under general anaesthetic or
- there is a significant risk of adverse effects on the patient.
 Written consent is also legislatively required if the patient is admitted under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992:
- (S.59:) in order to receive treatment after the first month of a compulsory treatment order (unless treatment is approved by the psychiatrist appointed by the Review Tribunal); or
- (S.60:) when electro-convulsive treatment is ordered (unless treatment is approved by the psychiatrist appointed by the Review Tribunal); or
- (S.61:) when "brain surgery" is proposed.
 Waikato DHB also requires written consent in the following situations:
- where either the patient or Waikato DHB requests it
- where consent is given by the patient's legal representative
- where a medical or nursing or midwifery student is to undertake
an examination or a procedure whilst the patient is under general
anaesthetic or sedation
- where clinical video or photographic recordings (including digital
photographs) are taken (refer to the Waikato DHB Clinical Images policy). Please note this consent is not for the treatment but to allow the photographs or video to be taken.
- where it is planned to retain any body parts that are removed or obtained in the course of a health care procedure (refer to the Waikato DHB Return of Body Tissue policy)
- where transfusion of blood or blood products is required.