What is the difference between express consent and implied consent, and in what situations is implied consent commonly assumed?

• A. Express consent is explicit (written or oral); implied consent is inferred from actions or circumstances (e.g., during urgent care when patient is unable to respond).
• B. Express consent is inferred; implied consent is explicit.
• C. Express consent is not allowed in medicine.
• D. Implied consent requires always written documentation.

Answer: (A)

Consent in medicine can be expressed or implied. Express consent is explicit permission given by the patient, either in writing or spoken, after they’ve been informed about the plan, risks, and alternatives. Implied consent is not a direct statement but is inferred from the patient’s actions or the situation. A typical example is urgent care when the patient is unable to respond; in that moment, clinicians proceed with necessary treatment because it’s reasonable to assume the patient would consent to life-saving care. In practice, implied consent is commonly assumed in emergencies where delaying care would put the patient at serious risk, and there is no known objection. Express consent is still the preferred standard for elective or non-emergency procedures, and it should be obtained and documented whenever possible to respect autonomy and ensure informed decision-making.