Debt Collection FAQ

When is a consent form needed?

The are many reasons why consent forms are used. A form of consent may be used for example:

• To give medical consent for a medical procedure or release of medical records.
• A minor child may need parental consent to a field trip or athletic participation.
• Rental applicants are often required to consent to a tenant background check, credit check, and release of employment information.
• Writers, photographers, musicians, etc., may want to grant consent to use of patented and copyrighted material to allow others to publish or reproduce recordings, images, books and written publications, and other original works.

There are many other examples of consent letter and consent form templates available on US Legal Forms.

What laws apply to consents?

The answer will depend on the person or entity asking for the consent form. In medical consent situations, a state or federal health law will often apply, such as informed consent to medical treatment and psychological tests, or HIPAA rules governing hospital records, health disclosures, and other medical records. When background checks are required of prospective tenants or for employment information purposes, disclosures to the applicant are required to advise the applicant of their rights concerning written consent and disputing a report of negative information. State family law primarily applies to adoption and paternity cases. Parental permission for athletic participation or for a minor child to take field trips or travel abroad with be governed by the policies of the school involved. Consent to use of a copyright of a book and written publication or to reproduce images and photographs will mainly be governed by contract law principles.

What does informed consent of a patient mean?

When it comes to emergency medical procedures and other medical treatment, informed consent means the patient gives consent to the treatment or procedure after being made aware of all the possible risks and consequences. By having a patient sign an informed consent form, it releases the medical provider from liability for outcomes that the patient was advised on and consented to through an informed consent form.

Can you describe types of forms of consent that I can't be forced to sign?

Contracts for consent forms of many privately run entities and individuals are often a matter of private agreement. However, the bargaining position between the parties in signing a consent form may not be equal, such as when a bank needs forms of consent signed before granting safe deposit box access or a parent makes a minor child sign an Internet use agreement. Some examples of agreements where you have a choice whether or not to give consent include:

• Consent forms are often required to be signed by private businesses, such as parking garages, and baby sitters.
• Guardian or parent consent may be required when a minor child is involved, such as for school field trips, travel abroad, or athletic participation. Since the event is optional, the child has a choice not to participate.
• A consent form to a background check. However, if you don't sign the requested consent forms to allow a references or credit check, an employer or landlord may legally deny you the job or rental you seek.