Informed Consent
Also called: consent, consent for services
Definition
Agreement to assessment or treatment given by the client or their legal representative after being told, in language they understand, what will be done, why, the risks and benefits, the alternatives, and that they may withdraw. It is obtained before services begin and again when the plan changes materially, and it is distinct from the person's ongoing assent to what is happening in the moment.
In plain language
Permission for services, given by the client or guardian after they understand what will happen and can say no. It is different from the person's moment-to-moment willingness, which is assent.
Example
Before starting a functional analysis, the analyst explains the conditions and risks to the parents and gets written consent.
Not informed consent
A learner pulling away from an activity. That withdrawal is about assent, not the legal consent given by a guardian.
See also
Written from
- bacb-ethics-code-2022 — Standards on consent
Written from the ethics code's consent standards, in our own words. No text reproduced.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.