Your doctor and other health care professionals will ask for your written consent before they carry out any treatment. They will discuss the treatment with you, and will help you to understand the options so that you can choose what's best for you. You must provide agreement in writing before a procedure can be carried out.

If you become incapable of giving informed consent, your health care team will speak with someone close to you – usually a family member – to explain the treatment and ask for consent. If you have any special documents or papers related to your wishes, such as a Power of Attorney for Personal Care, or a “Living Will”, please be sure to discuss this with your health care team.

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Page last updated: April 30, 2010