Informed Consent Model

An informed consent model of trans care is an approach to primary medical care. The primary [Page 432]use of this approach is for gender-affirming hormone treatment; gender-affirming surgeries are not typically included in an informed consent model of care. An informed consent model emphasizes the medical provider–patient collaborative process of evaluation of medical need, treatment options, and discussions on the expected effects and possible risks involved prior to starting any medications. Treatment is then provided based on the patient’s ability to understand the treatment risks and benefits (informed) and to legally agree (consent) to be treated. The main feature of this model of care is that it does not require a trans person to receive mental health therapy, get psychological testing, or have a mental ...