Informed consent must be obtained from which party regarding treatments in a nursing home?

Informed consent is a fundamental aspect of healthcare, ensuring that individuals are aware of and agree to the treatments they are receiving. In the context of a nursing home, it is essential that informed consent is obtained specifically from the resident themselves or their legal representative. This is essential for maintaining the rights and autonomy of the resident, as they are the ones directly affected by the proposed treatments.

The process of obtaining informed consent involves providing the resident or their representative with comprehensive information about the treatment, including its purpose, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. This allows them to make an informed decision regarding their care. The legal representative, which may include a family member or designated power of attorney, acts on behalf of the resident when they are unable to make decisions due to cognitive limitations or other health issues.

Obtaining consent from staff such as nursing personnel, the facility administrator, or caregivers does not fulfill the legal or ethical requirements of informed consent. These roles do not possess the authority to agree on behalf of the resident unless they are designated legal representatives, making it crucial for the correct party to be involved in the consent process.