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Reference guide to consent for examination or treatment

  • Document type:
    Publication
  • Author:
    Department of Health
  • Published date:
    6 April 2001
  • Primary audience:
    Professionals
  • Product number:
    23617
  • Gateway reference:
    2001
  • Pages:
    30
  • Copyright holder:
    Crown Copyright

This booklet provides guidance on English law concerning consent to physical interventions on patients - from major surgery and the administration or prescription of drugs to assistance with dressing - and is relevant to all health care professionals (including students) who carry out interventions of this nature. Guidance is provided on the legal requirements for obtaining valid consent and on the situations where the law recognises exceptions to the common law requirement to obtain consent. Cites numerous references. [Book abstract]

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