Informed Consent

Signing a Consent for Surgery or a Procedure
If you are asked to sign a consent for surgery or other procedure, make sure the surgeon or the person who will be doing the procedure has done the following:

1. Explained why the procedure is necessary and what it should accomplish.
2. Has explained all the risks and benefits.
3. Has given you a chance to ask questions and has answered questions to your satisfaction.

Surgery and other invasive procedures cannot be done until you sign an Informed Consent.  "Informed" means you have received the information above.  Nurses do not do the "informing."  The nurse's role is simply to witness that you have signed the consent after  the surgeon has informed you of everything you need to know.


Questions?  Just ask!