Informed consent – Wis. Admin. Code DHS §94-03

All informed consent documents must declare that the patient has been given complete and accurate information, and time to study or get more information on the issue about proposed treatment or services to be provided.  This includes looking at:

• the benefits of the treatment;
• administration of the treatment;
• possible side effects;
• alternative treatment options;
• consequences of not getting treatment;
• time period for which the informed consent is valid;
• right to withdraw informed consent at any time.

An informed consent document is not valid unless signed by the patient, and the patient is competent or able to understand the all significant information.  The consent form may also be signed by the patient’s guardian or parent, unless the consent is for experimental research or drastic treatment, in which case the patient’s consent is required. 

In emergencies, where waiting to obtain written informed consent would cause harm to the patient, oral consent from the patient’s parent or guardian may be used instead.  Oral consent must be documented in the patient’s record, and is only valid for 10 days, after which written informed consent is required.