| Abstract: | Abstract This paper examines when informed consent laws mandating explanation of the risks and benefits for proposed treatments (some talk intervention) and alternative to the proposed treatments (e.g., medications) apply to the social work profession. The reasons why an explanation of alternative treatments, including explaining medications, might be part of securing informed consent are proffered. Following this, consideration of how the task of explaining alternatives might be addressed is examined. The particular example of antidepressant medications provides a context for considering how to discuss medications as a treatment alternative. The kind of information a social worker might be obligated to possess and then impart to the client in fulfilling the task of obtaining informed consent is considered. |
