ENSURING DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMED CONSENT PROCEDURE GUIDELINES AND ITS PROPER IMPLEMENTATION IN TREATING MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2696 

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 3 APRIL 2024 

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Yip Hon Weng

MP for Yio Chu Kang

Question No. 5722

To ask the Minister for Health (a) how will the Ministry ensure that informed consent procedures for the treatment of mental health conditions including whether institutionalisation is needed, are ethical, adaptable, and respect patient autonomy while prioritising their well-being; (b) how do informed consent procedures apply in situations where patients are minors or where parents or guardians lack understanding or are the cause of the mental health issues; and (c) whether specific guidelines will be developed for informed consent in mental health care.

Answer

1      Consent in medical practice is a shared decision-making process by both the patient and clinician. The clinician provides medical information and the patient exercises his autonomy to make decisions about his treatment. These principles apply to mental health treatment and services. 

2      The Government received feedback that the need for parental consent for children and youths below 21 years old may hinder their access to mental health support. The Ministry of Health is studying this feedback.