Consent to treatment records

This article analyses the use of documentation to establish that consent has been given to treatment and that the necessary information about the possibility of significant risks of substantial harm has been given. The Department of Health has provided guidance as to when consent should be obtained in writing and also provided specimen forms which could be adapted for use by adults and young persons over 16 years; parents on behalf of children; procedures where no loss of consciousness is involved and for those situations where adults lack the capacity to give consent. The amendment of the forms is also considered together with discussion over the retention of the records.