After establishing a physician-patient relationship, what must be obtained?

• A. Consent to treat, in some situations, must be in written form stating understanding and risks
• B. Consent to treat is not required
• C. Consent to treat is needed only in emergencies
• D. Consent to treat is optional in standard care

Answer: (A)

After a physician-patient relationship is established, obtaining consent is essential before moving forward with treatment. Informed consent means the patient has been told what will be done, the potential risks and benefits, and any alternatives, and has agreed to proceed willingly. While many routine treatments can be authorized verbally, certain situations require written consent to document that the patient truly understood the risks and agreed to the plan. This is especially true for invasive procedures or treatments that carry significant risk, where a formal written form serves as a clear record. Written consent protects both the patient’s autonomy and the clinician’s responsibilities, and it’s obtained after ensuring the patient understands the information, including what could happen if they choose not to be treated. If the patient cannot consent, a legally authorized representative steps in to provide consent.