ABA Family Legal Guide

Health-Care Law

Patients' Rights

Informed Consent

When is informed consent not necessary?

There are times when it is simply not possible for a doctor to explain a medical treatment or procedure to you. There are also times when it is not necessary for a doctor to provide you with such information. For example, doctors are not required to obtain informed consent from you when it is an emergency situation and you are unable to give or withhold consent.