Which legal document must be obtained from the patient prior to a procedure?

• A. Advanced directive
• B. Informed consent
• C. Medical power of attorney
• D. Privacy consent

Answer: (B)

Understanding consent for a medical procedure centers on the patient's right to autonomously agree to what will be done after receiving complete information. The document that must be obtained before performing a procedure is the informed consent form. It confirms that the patient has been informed about the procedure’s purpose, the major risks and benefits, any reasonable alternatives (including the option of not having the procedure), and the consequences of not proceeding. The patient must have the capacity to decide and must agree voluntarily, with any questions answered before signing.

Advanced directive is a plan for future care if the patient can’t communicate, often about life-sustaining choices. Medical power of attorney designates someone to make medical decisions on the patient’s behalf when they can’t. Privacy-related forms concern the sharing of health information under privacy laws. While important, none of these replace the need for informed consent specifically for a procedure.