HIQA Consent Policy

Overview

Draft or update a consent policy for healthcare services aligned with HIQA NSSBH and Irish consent law.

Getting Started

Add your source materials to the project workspace, then activate the HIQA Consent Policy skill. The agent will guide you through the process step by step.

Example conversation

You: We need a consent policy for our hospital that meets HIQA and Irish law—covering treatment consent, capacity, and minors.

Agent: I’ll use the NSSBH reference (person-centred and effective care). I’ll draft a consent policy that covers: informed consent (nature, benefits, risks, alternatives); capacity assessment; refusal and advance decisions; consent for minors and when others may consent; documentation; and staff responsibilities. I’ll use plain language and align with safeguarding where relevant.

Output excerpt

Consent policy excerpt

Informed consent — Before treatment or care, staff must ensure the person (or lawful decision-maker) understands what is proposed, the benefits and risks, alternatives, and the right to refuse. Consent must be voluntary and documented.

Capacity — Where capacity is in doubt, a capacity assessment is carried out [in line with national guidance]. Best interests apply when someone lacks capacity; advance decisions and designated representatives are respected where they exist.

Documentation — Consent is recorded in the health record (who consented, when, and for what). Refusals and the reason are also recorded.

Extension and validation

This skill does not include custom validation tools. Elaboration is guided by the skill workflow and reference materials.