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Unregulated Care Workers: Capacity & Consent

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3m of CPD
It is important for unregulated care workers to have a clear understanding of their legal and ethical responsibilities in relation to the consumer’s right to consent and refuse care, and when a legal substitute may be required to give consent on the consumer’s behalf.

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Unregulated care workers (UCW) in health care often hold unique and privileged positions that allow them to have direct contact with the consumers of their organisation’s services. UCWs are subject to varying levels of supervision, and in many instances, work autonomously under the indirect supervision of another employee. Therefore, it is important for UCWs to have a clear understanding of their legal and ethical responsibilities to their employer, colleagues, consumers and the general community when providing care. All care workers who have direct contact with consumers need to understand their legal and ethical obligations in relation to the consumer’s right to consent and refuse care, and when a legal substitute may be required to give consent on the consumer’s behalf.

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Meet the educator

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Linda Starr
Associate Professor
Dr Linda Starr (PhD) is an associate professor in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Flinders University. She also has extensive experience as a registered nurse and is the South Australian practitioner member on the National Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Linda is passionate about the intersection between healthcare and the law, with a particular focus on the mandatory reporting of elder abuse.
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210 reviews by Ausmed Learners
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LH
Lynn Hancock
10 Nov 2020
great resources.Well written article.
Portrait of Joanne Brewster
Joanne Brewster
24 Jan 2021
Clearly outlines the guidelines for gaining informed consent, a skill that's lacking in the medical profession today. It was a good article for reminding us of what it involves and that it is still very important.
CC
CHAZEL CARPIO
29 Jun 2022
Registered Nurse
informative
KB
KYLIE BEASLEY
30 Oct 2020
Extremely helpful
BB
Bina Baniya
20 Mar 2021
Useful
KP
Kevin Porter
09 Nov 2020
A good refresher tool.
KI
Karen Innes
28 Dec 2020
Interesting article that reflects current industry practice- home care is increasing and the workers need to better understand the important concepts in order to keep themselves and consumers safe.
Portrait of Adele Gillies
Adele Gillies
13 May 2021
A concise and informative review in providing ethical care (that complies with the relevant Standards and legislation) and is in the best interests of the person.
Portrait of Bernadette Woods
Bernadette Woods
09 Nov 2020
Good reminder of patients fights to refuse care
MC
Marion Carter
09 Nov 2020
Simple, clear, direct educational, essential article
4.4 / 5
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