Informed consent requires disclosure of information as a skilled practitioner would provide, including potential complications. True or false?

• A. The physician should disclose only what the patient asks about.
• B. The physician should disclose only what is legally required.
• C. Such information as a skilled practitioner of good standing would provide under similar circumstances, including the potential of complications.
• D. The physician has no obligation to discuss risks.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is the professional standard used for informed consent: a physician must disclose information that a reasonably skilled practitioner would provide under similar circumstances, including the potential complications of the proposed treatment or procedure. This standard exists to protect patient autonomy, giving patients enough relevant information to make an informed decision about their care.

Why this is the best fit: it reflects how disclosure is judged in practice—not just what the patient happens to ask, and not merely what is legally required. A practitioner should share risks, potential complications, benefits, and alternatives in a way that a competent colleague would under similar conditions, ensuring the patient understands the information and can weigh it in light of their values and preferences.

Why the other approaches are incomplete: limiting disclosure to only what the patient asks shorts the patient on information they may not know to inquire about, which can hinder informed decision-making. Limiting disclosure to what is legally required may leave out important risks or complications that a reasonable practitioner would discuss, again compromising informed consent. Saying there is no obligation to discuss risks contradicts the fundamental duty to disclose known risks that could influence a patient’s decision.

In short, informed consent hinges on providing information a reasonably competent practitioner would provide, including potential complications, so the patient can make an informed, voluntary choice.