CHESS

Ethics Glossary

Informed Consent

When no procedure is performed until the patient (a) has been determined to have the capacity to give or refuse consent; (b) has been informed of the nature of the procedure, risks, alternatives, and the prognosis if the procedure is not done;  and (c) has given  free and willing consent to having the procedure done.  Informed consent allows healthcare professionals to conduct tests, procedures, and/or experimentation on patients with their understanding and agreement.