nonvoluntary

Nonvoluntary is an adjective describing actions taken without the voluntary consent of the person affected. It is used in medical ethics, law, and social policy to refer to interventions carried out without the patient’s consent, or when the individual lacks capacity to consent. It differs from voluntary actions, where consent is given, and from involuntary actions, which are performed despite the person’s wishes or without regard to consent.

In healthcare, nonvoluntary treatment can occur when a patient cannot participate in decision-making due to unconsciousness, cognitive impairment, or youth, and a surrogate decision-maker or clinician determines care in the patient’s best interests. This can include life-sustaining measures, medications, or restraints, and is typically bound by legal and institutional safeguards. The line between nonvoluntary and involuntary treatment varies by jurisdiction and circumstance, with some systems demanding explicit advance directives or court authorization for certain interventions.

In psychiatry, nonvoluntary commitment or treatment refers to hospitalization or treatment of individuals who resist care but are deemed to pose a risk to themselves or others. Procedures differ by country and region, often involving judicial review and ongoing assessment to protect the patient’s rights while addressing safety concerns.

Ethical considerations center on balancing autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence. Critics warn of potential abuses and loss of dignity, while supporters argue that nonvoluntary interventions can be justified when incapacity or risk makes informed consent impossible. Safeguards typically emphasize capacity assessment, least restrictive means, and regular reevaluation.

See also: autonomy, consent, capacity, surrogate decision-maker, implied consent, involuntary treatment, euthanasia.