Certified Lactation Specialist Informed Consent Process 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A lactation consultant wants to photograph a mother's latch technique for educational purposes. What must be obtained before taking the photo?
- Verbal agreement from the mother
- Written informed consent specifying how the image will be used (Correct answer)
- Approval from the hospital administrator
- Consent from the attending physician
Correct answer: Written informed consent specifying how the image will be used
Written informed consent must be obtained before photographing clients, clearly specifying how images will be stored, shared, or used.
Question 2: Which element distinguishes 'informed' consent from simple 'consent'?
- The client signs a form
- The provider witnesses the signature
- The client receives adequate information to make a voluntary decision (Correct answer)
- The consent is obtained before any physical examination
Correct answer: The client receives adequate information to make a voluntary decision
Informed consent requires that the client has sufficient, understandable information about risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing.
Question 3: A mother with limited English proficiency is seen for lactation support. How should informed consent best be obtained?
- Have a bilingual family member translate the consent form
- Use a qualified medical interpreter and provide translated written materials (Correct answer)
- Obtain verbal consent in English and document it
- Proceed without formal consent if the mother appears agreeable
Correct answer: Use a qualified medical interpreter and provide translated written materials
A qualified medical interpreter ensures accurate communication; family members may introduce bias or omit critical information.
Question 4: Under HIPAA, what is the minimum information a client must receive regarding privacy practices before lactation services begin?
- A verbal summary of data storage policies
- Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) describing how health information may be used and disclosed (Correct answer)
- A list of all staff who will access their records
- An explanation of state reporting requirements only
Correct answer: Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) describing how health information may be used and disclosed
HIPAA requires providers to give clients a Notice of Privacy Practices before or at the time of first service.
Question 5: A client agrees to lactation support but later asks the consultant to stop mid-session. What should the consultant do?
- Complete the assessment first, then address the request
- Immediately respect the withdrawal and stop the intervention (Correct answer)
- Ask for the client's reason before stopping
- Continue only if the clinical benefit outweighs the refusal
Correct answer: Immediately respect the withdrawal and stop the intervention
Clients have the right to withdraw consent at any time, and the provider must immediately honor that withdrawal.
Question 6: When documenting informed consent in the medical record, which of the following is MOST important to include?
- The consultant's professional opinion about the decision
- What information was provided, that the client understood, and the client's agreement (Correct answer)
- The time of day consent was obtained
- Whether the client's partner was present
Correct answer: What information was provided, that the client understood, and the client's agreement
Documentation should confirm what was disclosed, that the client demonstrated understanding, and that they voluntarily agreed.
Question 7: A mother states she consents to breastfeeding education but refuses permission for the consultant to examine her breasts. What is the appropriate response?
- Explain that examination is mandatory and reschedule when she agrees
- Provide education and support within the scope of what she has consented to (Correct answer)
- Refer her to another provider immediately
- Document her refusal and discharge her from care
Correct answer: Provide education and support within the scope of what she has consented to
Clients may consent to some interventions while declining others; care must be adapted to respect partial consent.
Certified Lactation Specialist Informed Consent Process 2
A lactation consultant wants to photograph a mother's latch technique for educational purposes.
What must be obtained before taking the photo?