Overview

Prior to the initiation of treatment services, individuals should receive information about the nature of the treatment regimen and its risk and benefits, and give written consent to such treatment.

Accreditation Requirement(s)

To be in conformance with this accreditation standard, the organization must show evidence of the following:

• Policies and procedures dictate that new admissions give written informed consent to treatment.
  
• The policies and procedures include:
  
  
  
  • The voluntary nature of participation in the program
    
  • Compliance with Federal confidentiality regulations
    
  • The facts and risks associated with the use of methadone/LAAM
    
  • An explanation of the goal of treatment, which includes improved quality of life
    
  • That the goals of treatment are reviewed and revised periodically
    
    
• If there are state-specific requirements, such as child abuse reporting, these should be included in the consent form.
  
• Informed consent should be given prior to the actual dosing begins.

Implementation Tips

Some Implementation Tips provided, in part, by Robert Johnson at: www.accreditationnow.com.

• The definition of informed is, "having a high degree of knowledge, information or education" (Funk and Wagnall's Standard Desk Dictionary).
  
  
• The purpose of informed consent is to be sure that the client is knowledgeable about the potential benefits and potential risks associated with any course of treatment. In terms of prescribing methadone, a narcotic drug with known side effects and addicting properties, it is imperative that the client be made aware of risks and give permission before dosing begins.
  
  
• It is sometimes difficult to obtain informed consent with a new client who is addicted and is currently under the influence of narcotic drugs and/or is experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Although obtaining signatures is part of the intake protocol, the new client may not be in any condition to fully understand the information being presented. It may be necessary to repeat the information and obtain signatures at a later date when the person is thinking more clearly. This information might also be presented during the orientation process.
  
  
• Do not forget that informed consent means the person understands the nature of the information that is being presented to him or her. If the language used in the accompanying handout is not understandable, then the information should be explained to the client at a level in which he or she is capable of understanding. If the client speaks a foreign language, the consent form may have to be translated into that language.