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A factsheet about Advance Care Directives Act 2013 and the changes to the Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act 1995.
Health professionals must obtain valid consent before providing medical treatment or health care, except in limited circumstances such as emergencies. When a patient lacks decision-making capacity and does not have a Substitute Decision Maker under an Advance Care Directive, consent may be provided by a Person Responsible—someone close to the patient who meets the legal criteria.
Resources are available to assist health professionals:
If a health care consent dispute cannot be resolved locally, staff can contact the Office of the Public Advocate’s Dispute Resolution Service. This service is available 24/7 for emergency situations only.
For education and training resources see the education and training page.