Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 9, § 851 - Informed Consent to Antipsychotic Medications

A voluntary patient shall be treated with antipsychotic medications only after such person has been informed of his or her right to accept or refuse such medications and has consented to the administration of such medications. In order to make an informed decision, the patient must be provided with sufficient information by the physician prescribing such medications (in the patient's native language, if possible) which shall include the following:

(a) The nature of the patient's mental condition,

(b) The reasons for taking such medication, including the likelihood of improving or not improving without such medication, and that consent, once given, may be withdrawn at any time by stating such intention to any member of the treating staff,

(c) The reasonable alternative treatments available, if any,

(d) The type, range of frequency and amount (including use of PRN orders), method (oral or injection), and duration of taking the medications,

(e) The probable side effects of these drugs known to commonly occur, and any particular side effects likely to occur with the particular patient,

(f) The possible additional side effects which may occur to patients taking such medication beyond three months. The patient shall be advised that such side effects may include persistent involuntary movement of the face or mouth and might at times include similar movement of the hands and feet, and that these symptoms of tardive dyskinesia are potentially irreversible and may appear after medications have been discontinued.

Notes

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 9, § 851

1. Editorial correction of NOTE filed 10-26-82 (Register 82, No. 44).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 5325 and 5326.95, Welfare and Institutions Code. Reference: Sections 5325 and 5325.1, Welfare and Institutions Code; Cobbs v. Grant (1972) 8 Cal. 3d 229.

1. Editorial correction of Note filed 10-26-82 (Register 82, No. 44).