What is the legal term for giving permission to undergo a procedure after risks have been explained?

• A. Informed consent
• B. Consent
• C. Approval
• D. Authorization

Answer: (A)

Informed consent means a patient’s voluntary agreement to an medical procedure after they’ve been fully informed about what the procedure involves, including the risks, benefits, and alternatives. This concept centers on patient understanding and autonomy—the idea that a person should consent only after knowing what could happen and having the chance to ask questions.

It’s the best fit because it ties permission directly to having been told about the risks and other options, which is what legal and ethical standards require. Merely giving consent without discussing risks may not meet those standards, while terms like approval or authorization usually refer to permissions granted by a provider, institution, or authority rather than the patient’s informed decision.