What is the primary purpose of informed consent criteria for making decisions in guardianship?

The primary purpose of informed consent criteria in guardianship is to ascertain the conservatee's preferences and ensure they have the necessary information to make decisions about their care and treatment. Informed consent is rooted in respecting the rights and dignity of the individual under guardianship. It involves providing full disclosure about the options available, the risks and benefits of those options, and how each choice aligns with the conservatee's values and wishes.

This process helps ensure that the conservatee's voice is heard, even if they may not be able to fully articulate their preferences due to limitations in their capacity. Engaging in informed consent allows guardians to make decisions that are more aligned with the best interests and personal preferences of the conservatee, rather than acting solely on their own authority or judgment without considering the wishes of the individual involved.

This focus on the conservatee's preferences also helps to promote autonomy within the constraint of guardianship. By actively involving the conservatee’s wishes, guardians can create decisions that not only fulfill their legal responsibilities but also respect the individual’s humanity and rights.