Can a hospital treat me without my consent?

As a general rule, you have the right to make an informed choice and give informed consent before any treatment, under Right 7 of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights. Providers must give you sufficient information, in a way you can understand, about the nature of the treatment, risks, options and consequences. You can refuse treatment or withdraw consent at any time. Exceptions include emergencies where you are unable to consent and treatment is in your best interests, and where the law authorises compulsory treatment, for example under mental health legislation or public health powers. Ask the provider to explain what each test is for and whether it is optional. If your consent was not sought, raise it with the provider and consider a complaint to the Health and Disability Commissioner.