Patient Rights and Informed Consent in Denmark
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Danish law gives patients comprehensive rights in the healthcare system:
- Informed consent (informeret samtykke): No treatment may be carried out without your informed consent. The healthcare provider must explain the diagnosis, proposed treatment, risks, alternatives, and consequences of refusal.
- Right to refuse treatment: You can refuse any treatment — including life-saving treatment — and the refusal must be respected.
- Advance directives (livstestamente/behandlingstestamente): Since 2019, you can register a treatment testament at sundhed.dk specifying your wishes if you become unable to consent — including refusal of life-prolonging treatment.
- Children (15–17): Patients aged 15–17 can consent to treatment independently in most situations.
- Second opinion: You have the right to seek a second opinion from another doctor.
When does it apply?
- You are receiving any form of healthcare in Denmark — GP visits, hospital treatment, surgery, mental health care.
- You want to document your treatment wishes in advance.
What to Do If a Doctor in Denmark Proceeds with Treatment Without Your Informed Consent
- Ask questions — your doctor must explain until you understand enough to make an informed decision.
- If you want to refuse treatment, state your refusal clearly — it will be documented in your medical records.
- Register a treatment testament at sundhed.dk if you want your wishes recorded in advance.
- If you feel your rights were not respected, file a complaint with Styrelsen for Patientklager (Patient Complaints Agency).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't consent to treatment you don't understand — you have the right to receive information in a way you can comprehend.
- Don't assume silence equals consent — consent must be explicit (though it can be oral).
- Don't feel pressured by time — for non-emergency treatment, you can take time to decide.
Common Questions
What does informed consent mean in Danish healthcare?
Under Sundhedsloven, no treatment may be carried out without your informed consent (informeret samtykke). The provider must explain the diagnosis, proposed treatment, risks, alternatives, and consequences of refusing. Consent must be explicit, though it can be oral. You have the right to receive information in a way you can understand, and to seek a second opinion.
Can I refuse medical treatment in Denmark?
Yes. You can refuse any treatment, including life-saving treatment, and your refusal must be respected. State it clearly — it will be documented in your medical records. Since 2019, you can also register a treatment testament (behandlingstestamente) at sundhed.dk specifying your wishes if you become unable to consent, including refusal of life-prolonging treatment.
What if a Danish healthcare provider ignored my refusal?
File a complaint with Styrelsen for Patientklager (the Patient Complaints Agency). Don't consent to treatment you don't understand — your doctor must explain until you understand enough to decide. Don't assume silence equals consent. Patients aged 15-17 can consent independently in most situations, and for non-emergency treatment you can take time to decide.
When does it apply — patient rights and informed consent?
You are receiving any form of healthcare in Denmark — GP visits, hospital treatment, surgery, mental health care.You want to document your treatment wishes in advance.
What should I do if a healthcare provider in Denmark did not properly explain my treatment or ignored my refusal?
Ask questions — your doctor must explain until you understand enough to make an informed decision.If you want to refuse treatment, state your refusal clearly — it will be documented in your medical records.Register a treatment testament at sundhed.dk if you want your wishes recorded in advance.If you feel your rights were not respected, file a complaint with Styrelsen for Patientklager (Patient Complaints Agency).
What should you NOT do — patient rights and informed consent?
Don't consent to treatment you don't understand — you have the right to receive information in a way you can comprehend.Don't assume silence equals consent — consent must be explicit (though it can be oral).Don't feel pressured by time — for non-emergency treatment, you can take time to decide.