Obtaining Informed Consent for Mental Health Treatment
Jay C. Mason M.D.1,
Frank I. Backus M.D.1, and
Noel K. Volberding M.D.1
1 Veterans Administration Hospital Seattle, Washington
A series of forms has been developed by staff at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Seattle in response to a Washington state law requiring that patients give informed consent to treatment. The forms, which describe the nature of the treatment and possible risks and benefits, follow four models: a single consent form that meets all the needs of a clinical unit; separate consent forms for various services of a clinical unit, such as medication or group or individual therapy; a limited-consent form combined with a brochure or fact sheet; and a consent form combined with a treatment con- tract. The authors report that use of the forms has required very little additional staff time and has not discouraged patients from entering treatment.
