11/30/2025
✍🏽Vocabulary Word of the Week: Informed Consent ✍🏽
Informed consent is the process of making sure a person fully understands what they are agreeing to before giving their permission.
In health care and caregiving, it means:
1. Full Understanding
The client (or their legal representative) is given clear, understandable information about:
What service, treatment, or care will be provided
The purpose and expected benefits
Possible risks or side effects
Alternatives available
What could happen if they refuse
2. Voluntary Decision
The person must make the decision freely—without pressure, manipulation, or fear.
3. Capacity to Decide
The person must be mentally capable of understanding the information and making the decision.
4. Documentation
Once the person understands and agrees, their consent is recorded in writing, or verbally if appropriate, depending on the situation and state rules.
In short:
Informed consent means a client gives permission for care after being fully informed and understanding what they are agreeing to.