Informed Consent Policy Updated
BWH revised the Informed Consent Policy, most notably, changing its name from “Consent to Treatment” to “Informed Consent.” The revised policy was approved in November by the Medical Staff Executive Committee and the Care Improvement Council.
The Informed Consent Policy is contained within the Administrative Policy Manual in Section One under the Patient Care Services section.
The “Consent for Blood Products” form must be used for blood product transfusions. However, for surgical procedures in which transfusion is likely to occur during the procedure or during the post-operative period or the first 48 hours post procedure, the Consent for Procedure form may be used. In addition, a blood transfusion information sheet available for patients and staff is attached to the Informed Consent Policy.
Signed consent forms are valid for four months. For procedures scheduled more than four months in advance, the attending physician is responsible for reviewing the signed form with the patient on the day of the procedure. The physician must note any change in material risks or benefits and indicate in writing on the form that the consent was reviewed, with signature, date and time.