Informed Consent

Every time that an individual agrees to accept medical treatment for an ailment, he or she must sign what is known as an informed consent form. In general, the process of informed consent involves the exchange of information and questions between the doctor and the patient regarding the diagnosed condition and the treatment options available. The patient should be provided with enough information on his or her condition to understand the situation and make an educated decision regarding care or treatment.

What is contained in an informed consent form?

Patients have the right to make their own decisions about accepting or denying treatment for their diagnosed conditions. If a patient has the mental and physical capability to make a sound decision about medical care, then he or she must give the physician written consent to deliver treatment before any actions may be taken. This consent is granted through an informed consent form, which contains the following information:

• Information on the patient’s diagnosed injury or illness
• Explanation of the proposed treatment
• Explanation of the risks and benefits related to the proposed treatment
• Information on alternative treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits
• Explanation of the risks associated with denying all treatment

In order for a patient to give informed consent, he or she as well as the doctor must sign and date the form.

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more about informed consent, or if your doctor has failed to provide you with an informed consent form for treatment he or she has administered, call the Washington medical malpractice lawyers of Fuller & Fuller today at 800-570-4878.