Here are five things to know about informed consent according to a Forbes article.
1. Informed consent should include six basic features, according to the American Medical Association:
• Diagnosis
• Purpose of the procedure
• Risks and benefits of treatment
• Alternatives to treatment
• Risk and benefits of alternatives
• Risk and benefits of not having the procedure
2. Not all procedures or situations require informed consent, including life-threatening emergencies or when the patient has impaired decision-making. If the patient is impaired, a family member or alternative decision maker should be consulted.
3. Every state has different laws mandating some form of informed consent and medical facilities develop which procedures, surgeries or situations informed consent is needed.
4. Patients can fill out an advanced director of living will to direct healthcare providers on your wishes in the case of an emergency and who they should consult as an alternative decision-maker if necessary.
5. When physicians don't obtain informed consent, they could be charged with negligence and battery, according to the report.