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What Should You Do If a Person Refuses to Give Consent for Care?

Published in Medical Consent 2 mins read

If a person refuses to give consent for care or explicitly withdraws their consent, the essential steps are to respect their decision, ensure your own safety, and seek higher-level professional assistance.

Immediate Actions Upon Refusal

When an individual who is capable of making their own decisions declines care or changes their mind after initially consenting, it is crucial to halt any further intervention.

  • Step Back: Immediately discontinue any attempts to provide care. Respecting a person's autonomy and their right to refuse treatment is paramount.
  • Call for Advanced Medical Personnel: Even if direct care is refused by the individual, it is advisable to contact more advanced medical personnel, such as paramedics or emergency medical services. They possess specialized training and resources to handle such situations, assess the person's capacity to refuse care, and offer further options if appropriate.

Prioritize Your Safety

It is important to remember not to put yourself at risk when someone refuses help. Do not get hurt trying to give assistance that an individual clearly does not want. Forcing care upon a person can lead to physical harm for both parties and potential legal repercussions.

Special Considerations for Minors

The rules regarding consent for minors differ significantly:

  • Parent or Guardian Consent Required: If the person requiring care is under 18 years of age and a parent or legal guardian is present, you must obtain their consent before providing any medical assistance. The parent or guardian holds the legal authority to make decisions regarding the minor's care in this context.

By following these guidelines, you adhere to ethical and legal standards regarding medical consent and ensure the safety and rights of all involved.