NOTICE PAPER NO. 2696
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 3 APRIL 2024
Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Yip Hon Weng
MP for Yio Chu Kang
Question No. 5722
To ask 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.
Answer
1 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.
2 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. The Ministry of Health is studying this feedback.