In a medical setting, what does "Expressed Consent" imply?

Expressed consent is a clear, definitive agreement that indicates a patient has thoroughly understood the risks and benefits associated with a medical procedure and has provided their explicit permission for that procedure to take place. This type of consent is typically documented in writing, ensuring that all parties have a record of the patient's acknowledgment of the information presented.

Written consent serves to protect both the patient and the healthcare provider by clearly outlining the patient's acknowledgement and understanding, thereby reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings regarding the procedure. This form of consent is particularly important in situations that involve invasive procedures, treatments with significant risks, or any situation where the patient needs to be fully informed of their options.

In contrast, verbal agreements may not provide the same level of documentation and may leave room for ambiguity, while inferred consent is based on a patient's actions rather than explicit agreement. Future consent pertains to permission granted for future procedures, which does not address the specific requirements for informed consent at the time of a procedure. Thus, the choice that best defines expressed consent is the one involving written consent after understanding the associated risks.