What is a potential consequence of not obtaining informed consent before treatment?

Not obtaining informed consent before treatment can lead to legal action for battery. Informed consent is a fundamental principle in medical ethics and law that ensures a patient has the right to understand and agree to the treatments or procedures that will be performed on them. When a healthcare provider fails to obtain this consent, they may be perceived as having acted without the patient's permission, which can be classified as battery—a form of unlawful physical contact.

This legal risk emphasizes the importance of communication between healthcare providers and patients. Without informed consent, there is a breakdown in trust, and the patient may feel their autonomy has been violated, potentially leading to negative consequences for the provider, including lawsuits, loss of medical license, or negative impacts on their professional reputation.

In contrast, increased trust, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced therapeutic relationships are more likely to result from proper informed consent practices, as patients who feel respected and informed are more likely to engage positively with their treatment plans. However, the lack of informed consent primarily opens the door to legal ramifications such as charges of battery.