What is the purpose of the Certificate of Admission (COA)?

The Certificate of Admission (COA) serves a crucial role in the healthcare setting primarily by obtaining legal consent for treatment. This document is essential for ensuring that healthcare providers have the patient's permission to administer medical services. Legal consent is not just a formality; it protects both the patient and the healthcare provider. For patients, it ensures they have the right to be informed about their treatment options and the associated risks, while for providers, it mitigates legal responsibilities in case of disputes regarding the treatment provided.

The clear purpose of the COA is to formalize the patient-provider relationship by securing the necessary consent that allows treatment to proceed safely and ethically. Other functions such as documenting insurance information, informing about hospital services, or registering the patient are important but fall outside the primary legal and ethical scope of the COA's purpose.