Ensuring Development of Informed Consent Procedure Guidelines and its Proper Implementation in Treating Mental Health Conditions

20 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked 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.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: 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.

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. MOH is studying this feedback.