title: Informed patient consent starts with an informed provider.
abstract: Health care providers should be aware of three main points concerning patient consent for treatment. First, they should know exactly what consent is, which involves distinguishing between two legal theories--assault and battery and negligence. Second, they should be aware of what kind of consent is needed in their particular locality. Third, they should know who may give consent and who may refuse it. Advice of local counsel should always be sought because requirements are different in each state.
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Gershon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D033282:Parental Consent; D010349:Patient Compliance; D014481:United States