Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes implied consent?

1. Consent that must be documented formally.

2. Consent that is inferred from a person's actions.

3. Consent required only in emergency situations.

4. Consent that always involves verbal agreement.

The correct answer is: Consent that is inferred from a person's actions.

Implied consent is best described as consent that is inferred from a person's actions. This type of consent does not require explicit verbal or written acknowledgement but is understood through the individual's behavior or the context of the situation. For instance, when a patient rolls up their sleeve for a blood test, it is typically understood as consent for the procedure, even if they did not verbally agree to it. This concept is particularly relevant in health care settings where immediate action may be necessary, and the patient’s non-verbal cues indicate their willingness to proceed. The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of implied consent. It does not necessarily involve formal documentation, as implied consent can occur without any written record. While it may be relevant in emergency situations, it is not limited to those scenarios; it can arise in many everyday circumstances. Finally, it does not always require a verbal agreement; implied consent arises from an individual's actions rather than explicit communication.