Scenario Consent to Treatment

A public health dietitian organizes a food skills workshop at a community agency. Prior to the session, 15 participants are registered to attend the workshop. At the beginning of the session, two unexpected participants arrive. What are the dietitian’s responsibilities for obtaining their consent?

In this case, the dietitian can rely on implied consent. If the dietitian goes through class content during the introduction and answers any questions the participants may have, consent can be inferred from their words or behaviour (i.e. the participants remain in the class) (Refer to the Professional Practice Standard, Consent to Treatment, When to Rely on Express or Implied Consent, p.4).

The dietitian should obtain consent for any other type of nutrition treatment or activities involved in the class.