My patient has been premedicated but has not signed the consent form. May surgery proceed?
It is much preferable to obtain documentation of the consent prior to premedication. However, presuming that the physician has discussed the surgery with the patient prior to premedication, documentation by the responsible physician of that discussion in the medical record may be acceptable under hospital policy. If the patient signs a form after premedication, the physician must document that fact and that the patient was awake, alert and aware of the circumstances.
Related Questions
- Last week, my study participant took a consent form home to read it and he signed it at home. He came in today - should I keep the date that he first signed the consent form?
- Consent forms are often signed in the office prior to admission for surgery. How long is the form to be considered valid?
- Can I accept a faxed copy of a patient’s signed consent form?
