Informed Consent in plain English
A process of discussing a proposed treatment, material risks, alternatives, and questions so the patient can make a decision; legal requirements vary by state.
Where this term may appear
Consent forms and clinical notes documenting discussion of a proposed treatment, risks, and alternatives.
What to verify
Identify the clinical setting, specialty, records, and decision point connected to informed consent so an appropriately qualified reviewer can evaluate the context.
Why context matters
Informed Consent may be medically important without deciding whether the applicable legal standard was breached or whether the event caused compensable injury.
Use official and primary sources for current medical, licensing, court, and state-law information.