REG 11.40.01 - Student Health Services Informed Consent Regulation

Authority:

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Responsible Office:

Director of Student Health Services

Date Established:

Prior to 2001

Last Revised:

02-20-2017

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Student Health Services recognizes and respects the right of competent adult students to consent to or refuse medical procedures and treatment. Informed consent is a legal and ethical precondition for medical treatment with the exception of emergency situations. No student may be treated unless consent to treatment has been given.

2. DEFINITION

2.1 Informed consent means the individual understands and agrees to any medical treatment with the exception of emergency situations.

3. PROCEDURES

3.1 The student's health care provider is responsible for ensuring that informed consent is obtained prior to treatment. An informed consent must include the nature of the problem, medical condition, purpose, risks, benefits of the proposed treatment and risks involved if treatment is not taken. The student should be given all of the information necessary to make an informed decision and adequate time in which to ask questions.

3.2 The student's informed consent is valid as long as the medical condition and treatment have not changed. The student may revoke his or her consent at any time.

3.3 A student can consent to his or her own treatment if he or she is capable of understanding the nature of the proposed treatment and the risks and consequences associated with it, and

3.3.1 is at least 18 years of age; or

3.3.2 is less than 18 years of age, and

3.3.2.a. is married;

3.3.2.b. has judicial decree of emancipation; or

3.3.2.c. is seeking medical services for the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of sexually transmitted or other infectious diseases, pregnancy, abuse of controlled substances or alcohol, or emotional disturbance.

3.4 In the case of an un-emancipated or unmarried minor, informed consent must be obtained from the student’s parent or legal guardian.

3.5 A blanket consent, obtained on the UNC Pembroke Immunization and Medical History Form from a parent or legal guardian prior to the student’s entrance to UNCP, is acceptable and does not need further verification at the time of treatment.

3.6 In an emergency situation, the health care provider may treat a minor without parental consent if delay of treatment would endanger the life or physical condition of the minor.

3.7 Written consent is required for:

3.7.a. vaccinations;

3.7.b. medical procedures; and

3.7.c. clinical research

Additional References:

• NCGS §90-21.5 – Minor’s consent sufficient for certain medical health services
• UNC Pembroke Immunization and Medical History Form