Informed Consent and Privacy Policy
1. Treatment consent
• By signing the client intake form clients agree to undergo Occupational Therapy assessment and treatment by Jaqui Eksteen Occupational Therapy.
• Consent is not a once-off agreement and may be asked for and discussed with client continually at appropriate occasions. Autonomy is a bioethical principle and a recognised human right and will be respected.
• Clients will be informed about their health status, diagnostic options, and treatment plans, as well as any alternative options. The risks and benefits involved with consenting to treatment will be discussed. Questions regarding the consent will be answered prior to and during the appointment.
• Consent is given voluntarily, and clients have the right to refuse treatment or withdraw their consent at any time for any therapy/treatment/procedure.
2. Consent for minors, children and mentally incompetent adults
• Children under 12 years: Consent is required from a parent or guardian.
• Children aged 12-18 years: Consent can be given by the minor if competent, but parental or guardian consent is needed for medical and surgical procedures.
• Mentally incompetent adults: Consent must be obtained from a legally authorised person (e.g., spouse, adult child, guardian).
3. Exceptions and special cases for consent to treatment
• Consent is not needed in public health risk situations or involuntary admissions under the Mental Health Care Act.
• If the client cannot give consent or where mandated by a court order, consent may be obtained from a spouse, partner or legal guardian.
4. Clinical examinations and tests
• In order to proceed with effective therapy/treatment/procedures, client’s’ health status, biological or physiological dysfunction, symptoms and functional impairments may need to be evaluated by means of an interview and/or the performance of clinical examinations or diagnostic procedures or tests. Consent to such examinations, will be discussed with clients beforehand.
• Clients must notify the practice of any pre-existing diseases, allergies or medical conditions which they know of, or if they are pregnant, become pregnant, or trying to fall pregnant at the time of receiving therapy/treatment/procedures.
• The practitioner cannot guarantee the outcome or success of the therapy/treatment/procedure. The length and duration necessary for treatment may also differ from person to person and will be discussed.
5. Confidentiality
• All client information is treated with strict confidentiality in line with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and POPIA guidelines.
• Any personal and health information will be kept confidential, unless clients consent to it being shared or it is required by law or court order, justified in public health interest, or as mandated for minors or deceased patients.
• This practice may share data with other practitioners for medical treatment with client’s consent. Exceptions include and is limited to relevant and only necessary information: mandatory reporting (e.g., abuse); third-party assessments (e.g., insurers); practice administration (e.g., staff access for bookings & referrals); risk of harm to self or others.
6. Documentation and compliance
• Clinical notes and consent forms will be stored securely for up to five years to ensure confidentiality and compliance with HPCSA guidelines.
• Consent forms may be updated annually or when treatment or risk profiles change.