Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

What are the two main requirements for consent to treatment?

1. Must be 16 years of age or more and cannot be done by proxy.

2. Must be express and informed.

3. Must be voluntary and informed.

4. Must be written and voluntary.

The correct answer is: Must be voluntary and informed.

The correct answer emphasizes that consent to treatment must be both voluntary and informed. This means that a person must give consent freely, without any coercion or undue influence, which ensures the individual's autonomy in making health-related decisions. Being informed entails that the individual has received adequate information regarding the treatment, including its purpose, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. This understanding empowers patients to make knowledgeable choices about their healthcare and promotes ethical practices in medical treatment. The choice highlighting 'voluntary' ensures that patients are not under pressure or manipulation, while 'informed' ensures they are aware of what they are consenting to, creating a framework that respects patient rights and promotes safety. Other options may include various aspects of consent such as age or written forms, but they do not encapsulate these foundational principles that underpin the right to consent in healthcare settings. By focusing on voluntary and informed consent, this answer accurately reflects the essential ethical and legal requirements in the context of healthcare treatments.