Informed Consent: Standard of Care Requirements

Standard of Care Requirements

• Limits of Confidentiality: Therapists are required to inform clients about situations where confidentiality may be breached, including instances involving child or elder abuse.
• Treatment Options: Clients must be informed of the various treatment options available, ensuring they can make informed choices about their care.
• Risks and Benefits: Disclosure of potential risks and benefits of different treatments is essential for client understanding and consent.
• Right of Refusal: Clients have the right to refuse treatment and must be made aware of this option.
• Cancellation Policy: Therapists should communicate their cancellation policies clearly to manage expectations and responsibilities.
• Billing Procedures: Detailed billing practices must be outlined to avoid misunderstandings about costs associated with therapy.
• Communication Practices: Clear procedures for communication, including emergency practices, should be established to ensure client safety and accessibility.
• Background of Therapist: Clients should be informed about the therapist’s qualifications, experience, and any relevant background that establishes their competence.
• Defining Who the Client Is: Clarity about the client’s identity and relationship to the therapist is necessary to establish appropriate boundaries and goals.

Best Practices

• Documenting Informed Consent: It is critical for therapists to formally document that informed consent has been obtained from clients, ensuring legal and ethical compliance.
• Reviewing Informed Consent: Ongoing review of informed consent with clients should occur at the start of therapy and periodically throughout the treatment process to accommodate changes and reinforce understanding.