Is the patient/client capable??

It is the responsibility of the audiologist or speech-language pathologist to determine if a person is capable of consenting to the proposed service. A person is capable with respect to a service if the person:

Understands the information about the proposed service that is being presented. This information will include, but is not limited to, the nature of the proposed service, the benefits, expected risks and side effects, and alternative services, and
Is able to appreciate the reasonably foreseeable consequences of either making a decision or not making a decision.

A CASLPO member may not presume that a person is incapable with respect to a proposed service based solely on one or more of the following factors:

The existence of a psychiatric or neurological diagnosis.
A refusal of a proposed service that is contrary to the advice of a CASLPO member, or other practitioner.
A request for an alternative service.
The person's age.
The existence of a disability, including a speech, language or hearing impairment.

By virtue of their training, audiologists and speech-language pathologists recognize that the existence of a communication difficulty is not sufficient to presume a patient/client is incapable of giving consent. However, providing consent may pose a significant challenge for individuals with communication impairment. View Suggestions for facilitating an informed consent discussion with individuals with a communication impairment for more information.