INTRODUCTION
Informed consent is a process, not just a record form, although the form is important both for the educational process for patients and for risk reduction. Information must be presented to enable patients to voluntarily decide whether to undergo a surgical or medical treatment. Principles involving the informed consent process require that material information about procedures and risks be provided to patients. An adequate informed consent process can improve collaboration with patients and reduce liability fears; however, there are some procedural barriers that physicians and caregivers must overcome.

After completing this activity, the participant should be able to:

• 1. identify the role of physicians, nurses, and other caregivers in properly executing an informed consent according to the prevailing standard of care and without negligence.
• 2. discuss how to determine the most efficient process for obtaining the patient’s consent for inpatient and ambulatory treatment.
• 3. discuss how to minimize the legal liabilities associated with inadequate consents.
• 4. discuss how to improve patient/caregiver collaboration through more effective use of the consent process.