What are the potential consequences of failing to obtain informed consent?

Failing to obtain informed consent can lead to serious legal consequences, specifically liability for battery or negligence claims. Informed consent is a fundamental principle in medical ethics and law, requiring healthcare providers to communicate the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a procedure to the patient. When a provider does not obtain informed consent, they may be viewed as having violated the patient’s autonomy and rights, which can result in accusations of battery, as the patient did not give their permission for the procedure to occur. Additionally, negligence claims can arise if the patient suffers harm as a result of the procedure that they were not adequately informed about.

Legal liability can also have broader implications, including damage to the provider’s reputation, financial costs associated with legal defense, and potential disciplinary actions by professional licensing bodies. Thus, obtaining informed consent is not only an ethical obligation but a crucial aspect of protecting both the patient and the healthcare provider in the legal realm.

In contrast, the other options reflect outcomes that are unlikely to occur when informed consent is not properly obtained. Positive patient feedback, improved patient trust, and increased efficiency in procedures rely on the foundation of communication and respect for patient rights, which are compromised when consent is neglected.