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Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.29.11.742

A series of forms has been developed by staff at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Seattle in response to a Washington state law requiring that patients give informed consent to treatment. The forms, which describe the nature of the treatment and possible risks and benefits, follow four models: a single consent form that meets all the needs of a clinical unit; separate consent forms for various services of a clinical unit, such as medication or group or individual therapy; a limited-consent form combined with a brochure or fact sheet; and a consent form combined with a treatment con- tract. The authors report that use of the forms has required very little additional staff time and has not discouraged patients from entering treatment.

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