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Right to Informed Consent - Incapacitated Adults| SWEDEN
| GENERAL OVERVIEW | BIOMEDICINE CONVENTION | EU MEMBER STATES | TYPES OF PATIENT RIGHTS LEGISLATION |
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In case of incapacitated adultes, relatives are generally consulted but they do not have a specific right to consent to treatment on behalf of an incapacitated person. Consent can be obtained from a custodian who is responsible for ensuring that his/ her ward receives the care that he/ she needs. If this is not possible and the patient is unable to consent, the doctor must decide on the appropriate treatment in the light of medical science and proven experience. Patients who are subject to compulsory internment are consulted whenever possible during the period of care. However, questions concerning treatment are ultimately decided by the senior consultant of the unit in which the patient is being cared for. When appropriate, a patient’s next-of-kin is also consulted. The significance of the next of kin is somewhat unclear which means that opinions often vary as to who is entitled to represent a patient. |