Informed Consent Policy

What is Informed Consent?

Informed consent is a fundamental patient right protected under Florida law (Florida Statute 766.103). Before receiving any medical treatment, you have the right to be fully informed about your condition, proposed treatments, potential risks and benefits, and alternative options available to you.

Your Rights Include

• The right to receive information about your diagnosis and treatment options
• The right to know the potential risks, benefits, and side effects of any treatment
• The right to know about alternative treatments and their risks/benefits
• The right to ask questions and receive understandable answers
• The right to refuse or withdraw consent for any treatment at any time
• The right to a second opinion
• The right to privacy and confidentiality of your medical information

Our Consent Process

At Bravely Balanced, we take informed consent seriously. Before any treatment:

1. You will receive a thorough consultation with our healthcare provider
2. We will explain the proposed treatment, including how it works and what to expect
3. We will discuss potential risks, side effects, and contraindications
4. We will answer all your questions to your satisfaction
5. You will sign a written consent form specific to your treatment
6. You will receive a copy of all signed documents for your records

Service-Specific Consents

Different services require specific informed consent documents:

Ketamine-Specific Informed Consent

If you are being evaluated for at-home ketamine therapy (troche, ODT, or nasal spray), the following disclosures are part of your informed consent and must be understood before you proceed:

• Off-label use. Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic; its use for mood, depression, and related psychiatric conditions is off-label. Your provider will explain the evidence, alternatives, and uncertainties before prescribing.
• Controlled substance. Ketamine is a controlled substance. Prescribing, dispensing, and use are regulated by federal and Florida law and require verification through the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
• At-home, self-administered use. Medication is shipped from a licensed pharmacy and self-administered at home under provider instructions. You are responsible for secure storage, correct dosing, and preventing access by others.
• Required safety environment. You must have a safe, private setting and avoid driving or operating machinery for 24 hours after each dose. You must not combine ketamine with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or illicit substances.
• Unpredictable psychological effects. Dissociation, changes in perception, emotional distress, or anxiety can occur. You agree to seek support or emergency care if needed.
• Not a guarantee. Treatment is not guaranteed to help and may be stopped at the provider's discretion at any time.
• Full disclosure required. You must disclose your complete psychiatric, substance-use, and medical history. Withholding information can make treatment unsafe and voids liability claims.

You will also sign a treatment-specific consent form before your first dose. See the Medical Disclaimer and Telehealth Consent pages for the complete risk and liability terms.

Withdrawing Consent

You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time before or during treatment. Simply inform our healthcare provider or staff. Withdrawing consent will not affect your right to receive future care or result in any penalty. If you have concerns during treatment, please speak up immediately.

Florida Patient Rights

Under Florida law, you are entitled to additional protections including:

• Access to your medical records within 30 days of request
• The right to have your records amended
• Protection against discrimination
• The right to file complaints with the Florida Department of Health

Questions?