What is expressed consent?

Expressed consent refers to a clear and definitive agreement from a patient to receive medical treatment, which can be communicated verbally or in writing. This type of consent is essential in establishing that a patient fully understands the procedure or treatment that is being proposed and agrees to it. It demonstrates the patient’s autonomy and right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare.

In contrast to implied consent, where consent might be inferred from a patient's actions or the circumstances (such as in an emergency when a patient is unable to provide consent verbally), expressed consent requires an explicit indication of agreement. This ensures that the healthcare provider complies with legal and ethical standards when delivering care. The clarity of expressed consent safeguards both patient rights and provider responsibilities in medical treatment.