Unregulated Care Workers: Capacity & Consent

What is this article about?

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.