Who has the authority to sign a consent form?

The authority to sign a consent form typically lies with the patient or their representative, along with a witness. This process ensures that the patient has given informed consent for a procedure or treatment after understanding the risks, benefits, and alternatives. The presence of a witness serves as an additional layer of verification that the consent was given voluntarily and competently.

Informed consent is a legal and ethical requirement in healthcare practice, emphasizing the patient’s autonomy and right to make decisions about their own care. Additionally, if a patient is unable to provide consent due to various reasons such as being a minor, incapacitated, or deemed unfit to make decisions, a legal representative or guardian can sign on their behalf.

This dual requirement is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the consent process, as it protects both the patient's rights and the healthcare providers from potential legal disputes regarding treatment consent. The other options do not align with the established protocols for obtaining consent in a healthcare setting.