| Abstract: | Despite extensive discussion of informed consent within the medical and legal literature, those diagnostic or therapeutic procedures which may specifically require written consent remain poorly identified. Survey results from 105 JCAH-approved hospitals show that 56 percent set forth a general policy statement regarding when and for which procedures consent is needed. The remaining hospitals specify individual procedures for which signed authorization is required by the hospital or medical staff guidelines. The potential liability, advantages and disadvantages of a general versus specific consent practice are discussed. A listing of those procedures itemized by responding hospitals from this national survey is also presented. |
