A person providing substitute consent on behalf of a person with reduced mental capacity should try to put themselves in the other person's shoes. What would the person do, or want, in this situation? Will the outcome of the treatment be of benefit to the person? Is there a less restrictive option? Will the benefit of the treatment outweigh any possible restriction on the person's quality of life? Have the risks been identified?

The role of the substitute consent provider is to make an informed decision about whether consent should be given. A second opinion can be sought if further clarification of the options to treatment is needed.