Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights, Right 7(6)
In some cases, your consent for disability services has to be in writing, otherwise it’s not legally effective.This is when:
your treatment involves a significant risk, or
you’ll be under a general anaesthetic, or
you’re part of research or experimental treatment.
You’re assumed to be capable of giving informed consent, unless there are reasonable grounds for believing you’re not capable.
You have the right to say which particular health professional you want to treat you, and your preference has to be met if this is practicable.
New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, s 10
You have the right not to be subjected to medical or scientific experiments without your consent.