This standard applies to LPNs, NPs, RNs, and RPNs.Practice Standards set out requirements related to specific aspects of nurses' practice. They link with other standards, policies and bylaws of the BC College of Nurses and Midwives, and all legislation relevant to nursing practice. Consent is
the voluntary agreement to some act or purpose made by a capable individual. Clients and their substitute decision makers have the legal right to agree to, refuse or revoke permission for proposed care, service, treatment or research provided by a health care professional, at anytime.
Nurses1 have both legal and ethical obligations regarding consent for proposed care, service, treatment or research. The specific legislation that applies to a nurse’s practice depends on the work setting and the nature of the work. Some related legislation are listed in the
Resources section at the end of this practice standard. The ethical obligations of nurses are to recognize, respect, and promote the client's right to be informed and make informed choices, including to refuse or revoke permission. Valid, informed consent2 generally requires
that:
Informed consent is the formal consent sought by the health professional responsible for directing care. Nurses are responsible for obtaining consent when initiating care, and reviewing consent before providing the care ordered by another health care professional. Employers provide the organizational supports and systems necessary for nurses to meet consent requirements and the standards of practice. Principles
Applying the principles to practice
Footnotes
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