Who is responsible for obtaining informed consent for a surgical procedure?

Informed consent for a surgical procedure is primarily the responsibility of the physician or performing surgeon. This individual is tasked with ensuring that the patient is fully informed about the procedure, including its risks, benefits, and potential alternatives. The surgeon must communicate this information in a manner that the patient can understand, allowing them to make an educated decision regarding their care. This legal and ethical obligation is critical to respect and uphold patient autonomy and rights.

While other healthcare professionals, such as nurses or anesthetists, may assist in providing additional information or clarification about aspects of the procedure, it is ultimately the surgeon who has the primary responsibility for obtaining informed consent. The patient's family member is not authorized to consent on behalf of the patient unless the patient is unable to do so and has designated a power of attorney or similar legal authorization. Therefore, it is essential for the physician or performing surgeon to engage directly with the patient to ensure the informed consent process is properly conducted.