CME Program

Informed Consent

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Course Description

Informed Consent is an essential part of the physician-patient relationship. While it may not always be possible for physicians to meet all patient expectations, they must comply with certain requirements regarding a patient’s participation in his or her own medical treatment, according to both good medical practice and the law. As treatment options have become more technical, the consequences of various treatment choices have become more difficult for a layperson to understand. Therefore, it is part of the physician’s duty to help the patient understand the options so that the patient can make the choice appropriate for him or herself. Physicians’ inconsistency in obtaining informed consent and informed refusal has surfaced as an important issue in malpractice allegations. This course addresses the gaps in physician competence and performance related to the informed consent process in order to reduce malpractice claims and improve patient care.

Who Should Take This Course

• This course is intended for treating physicians in any specialty.

Educational Objectives

By implementing the risk management recommendations herein, participants will be able to:

• Consistently apply the four elements of proper consent: discussion, education, documentation and form.
• Utilize plain language in oral and written communication to facilitate consent with patients whose health literacy is limited.
• Differentiate needs and circumstances of patients and adapt the consent process based on patient legal status (as in the case of minors), severity of treatment and the capacity of the consent provider.

Disclosure Policy

As an ACCME accredited provider, NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company requires planners, reviewers or authors who influence or control the content of a CME activity to disclose financial relationships (of any amount) they have with commercial interests associated with this CME activity during the past 12 months. Any identified conflicts of interest will be resolved prior to the commencement of the activity.

Content Advisors/Planners

Stephen M. Farber
Vice President, Risk Management and Continuing Medical Education

Dustin Shaver
Manager, Risk Management and Continuing Medical Education

Marlene Nazerey, RN, MSN
Manager, Risk Management

Brooke Z. Bledsoe, ARM, AIC, CPHRM
Risk Management Specialist

Jane Mock
Risk Management Specialist

Diane Post, MA
Risk Management Specialist

Jo Townson
Risk Management Specialist/Continuing Medical Education

Expert Reviewer

Helen Osborne, M. Ed., OTR/L
Health Literacy Specialist

Accreditation Statement
NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement
NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Original release date: March 2009
Expiration date: March 31, 2011