Fraud, Consent & Jehovah's Witnesses

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Hi,

I'd like to know the best way to insure that I don't get a drug or procedure. I know that I can stipulate it on the consent form, but that any restrictions I make can be nullified if I verbally consent later. I'm worried that a provider could claim that I made a verbal consent when I did not. Is there any way to stipulate on the written consent form that a restriction can only be changed in writting, or as witnesses by a patient advocate? It must be very hard for a healthcare provider to let someone die rather than respect their wishes, but it is very important to me.

Thanks!

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wow. hmm.. good to know this from the pt's pov. I can tell you that in my hospital, and what I was taught in school, health care providers are very aware of the beliefs of the JW. Because of that, the chances that anyone is going to jeopardize his/her license by lying about your verbal consent, IMO, is very slim. Just say you are a JW, and everyone will be on the alert. Just speaking in terms of covering my own a$$, I would never do it. I know that the pt. would react very strongly, and then I'd be in the eye of the storm, defending myself. It's simply not worth it to create that kind of a lie. As matter of fact, I wouldn't even take a verbal consent, knowing what might happen. I hope that puts your mind at ease.

Secondly, I totally respect a patient's wishes - I don't have a problem with "letting a person die" in that situation. I am a staunch defender of a person's right to do what he/she beliefs as long as other people are not hurt in the process.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

verbal consent automatically over-rides previously written consent, mana tangata. no way around that. but, i have to agree with eiphany that i've never heard of anyone being deceitful and actually making the statement a patient gave verbal consent when the patient did not.

is this something that concerns you because you have seen/heard this happen to you?

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

If you are anticipating a hospital stay for surgery or a procedure, perhaps you could bring an responsible adult along with you to help ensure that your wishes are respected, should you become unable to do so.

You might also want to investigate preparing a living will or designating a healthcare POA.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Mana -- Think Jolie has laid out some viable options.

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