Informed Consent Policy Term Definition

Adult patients (or, when appropriate, their surrogate decision-makers) must receive from their physician information regarding the risks and benefits of a proposed treatment and/or procedure.  Obtaining informed consent also allows the patient to fully participate in their care.  Except in emergencies, this information may include, but is not limited to: 

1. the patient's diagnosis, if known;
2. the general nature and purpose of the procedure or treatment, including its risks and benefits and whether it is experimental;
3. the name(s) of the person(s) performing the procedure or administering the treatment;
4. the benefits, risks, discomforts, side effects, complications, and potential problems related to recuperation associated with the procedure or treatment;
5. the likelihood of success;
6. the patient's prognosis and risks and benefits of not receiving or undergoing a treatment or procedure; and
7. reasonable alternatives (regardless of their cost or the extent to which treatment options are covered by health insurance).