Consent to Medical Treatment
Good Shepherd continues its long tradition of commitment to community health and welfare by making health care information available so that patients and their families can make informed decisions about their healthcare before the need arises.
The following information is intended to give basic facts about patient rights regarding Consent to Medical Treatment. Additional information may be obtained from your physician or nurse.
Informed Consent
You have the right to decide what may be done to your body during the course of medical treatment. Your physician will discuss with you the nature of your condition, the proposed treatment and any alternate procedures that are available. Your physician also will provide you with information about the risks associated with certain medical procedures. This information will help you make an informed decision about the kind of treatment you want to receive.
Surrogate Decision-Maker
If you become unable to make your own healthcare decisions and do not have a legal guardian or someone designated under a Medical Power of Attorney, then certain family members and others can made medical treatment decisions on your behalf.