The success of your aesthetic practice is not only built on delivering exceptional results to your clients but also on ensuring that your consent forms are legally compliant. Aesthetic consent forms serve as a written agreement between the practitioner and the client, detailing the treatments, possible risks, and complications. To protect your practice and clients, it is essential to ensure that these forms comply with legal and regulatory requirements. In this blog, we will discuss the key steps to ensure that your aesthetic consent forms are legally sound and adhere to industry standards.
Consult with legal professionals
When creating your aesthetic consent forms, it’s vital to consult with legal professionals who are knowledgeable in the field of medical law and regulations. These experts can provide guidance on the necessary language, clauses, and disclosures required to ensure your consent forms comply with local, state, and federal laws. Regularly reviewing your consent forms with legal counsel can help you stay up to date with changing laws and avoid potential legal issues.
Provide detailed information on treatments and procedures
Your consent forms should provide comprehensive information on the treatments and procedures you offer. This includes an explanation of the procedure, the purpose, potential benefits, and alternatives. It is crucial to be transparent about the treatment process and set realistic expectations for the client. Outlining the steps involved and any necessary aftercare instructions can help clients make informed decisions about their treatment.
Clearly outline risks and complications
Along with adding detailed information on your consent forms, you must clearly outline the potential risks and complications that could with each procedure. Having a correct disclosure within the consent form, it will allow the client to understand what they are undertaking when it comes to the treatment.
Most of the time the client will be safe and won’t have any side effects, however, to protect yourself and the client it’s best to have the risks of the treatment stated within the consent form, this allows the client to fully understand what could happen.
Must include the Client’s Medical History
Aesthetic consent forms should also include a section for clients to provide their medical history, current medications, and any known allergies. This information is critical in determining the safety and suitability of a particular treatment for a client. Be sure to review this information carefully and discuss any potential contraindications with the client prior to treatment. If you need a client medical form, then faces consent has this pre-populated. it can also be stored alongside the clients’ treatment consent form.
Obtain informed consent
Informed consent is a fundamental aspect of any aesthetic treatment, and your consent forms should emphasise this. To obtain informed consent, clients must be given sufficient information, understand the information provided, and have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns. Ensure that your consent forms provide space for clients to ask questions, clarify doubts, and receive satisfactory answers before signing.
Keep records and update them regularly
Once a client has signed the consent form, it’s crucial to maintain records of all signed forms for a specified period, according to the legal requirements in your jurisdiction. Regularly update your consent forms to reflect changes in regulations, new treatments offered, and advancements in aesthetic medicine. This practice will help ensure ongoing compliance and protect your practice from potential legal issues.
Ensuring your aesthetic consent forms comply with legal and regulatory requirements is an essential aspect of running a successful practice. By consulting with legal professionals, providing detailed information on treatments, outlining risks and complications, obtaining informed consent, and keeping records, you can protect your practice and clients while maintaining the highest industry standards. Remember, legally sound consent forms are not only a legal requirement but also a tool for building trust and fostering open communication with your clients.
