title: The legal framework for informed consent.
abstract: Touching a patient without consent can leave the nurse open to action for battery. Consent must be informed and not given under duress. Consent can be written, verbal or implied. Patients should be advised if the risk of complications is other than minimal.
authors.affiliation: University College Hospital, London.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McKee
mesh_terms: D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D007884:Legislation, Nursing; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014110:Touch; D006113:United Kingdom