What Is Informed Consent?
Informed consent is the process of providing clients, guardians, or relevant stakeholders with sufficient information about proposed assessment and treatment procedures to make a voluntary and informed decision about participation. It is not a one-time event but an ongoing process throughout the therapeutic relationship.
Required Elements
Informed consent must include: a description of the proposed assessment or treatment procedures, the expected benefits and potential risks, the right to refuse or withdraw consent at any time, alternative treatment options, the limits of confidentiality, the qualifications of the behavior analyst and any supervisees involved, fee structure and billing procedures, and how to file a complaint if needed.
Who Can Consent?
Adults with decision-making capacity can provide their own consent. For minors, a parent or legal guardian provides consent. For adults with legal guardians, the guardian provides consent. Even when a guardian consents on behalf of the individual, the behavior analyst should seek assent (agreement to participate) from the individual to the extent they are capable. If the individual actively objects, the behavior analyst should consider whether to proceed and document the decision.
Ongoing Consent
Informed consent is not a one-time signature on a form. Behavior analysts must inform clients about any changes to treatment plans, new procedures, changes in risk, involvement of new staff or supervisees, and any other material changes. Consent should be revisited regularly and documented at each significant change.
Common Exam Questions
Expect questions about: when consent must be obtained (before any assessment or treatment), what to do when a client or guardian refuses consent (respect the refusal), how to handle assent refusal from a minor, and what constitutes adequate information for informed consent.