Who is typically responsible for ensuring informed consent is obtained and documented?

• A. The patient’s physician
• B. The nurse or clinician obtaining consent, with physician oversight
• C. The hospital administrator
• D. The court

Answer: (B)

Informed consent is a process of clear communication about what will be done, why it’s recommended, the risks and benefits, and available alternatives, with the patient’s voluntary agreement or a legally authorized surrogate when needed. The person who typically obtains and documents that consent is the nurse or clinician who will perform or coordinate the procedure, doing so under the physician’s oversight. This clinician must ensure the patient understands the information, assess capacity, confirm voluntariness, provide any needed interpreter services, and record the discussion, the patient’s decision, and the consent form in the chart with appropriate witnesses if required. The physician retains the responsibility to provide the essential medical information and to verify that the consent obtained is valid and appropriate for the procedure. The hospital administrator and the court are not the ones who routinely obtain or document consent.