Expressed consent means

• A. Consent given by family members
• B. Consent given verbally or in writing by the patient
• C. Consent presumed when patient is unconscious
• D. Consent automatically provided when EMS is called

Answer: (B)

Expressed consent is when the patient explicitly gives permission for treatment, either verbally or in writing. This shows the patient’s informed decision and ability to authorize care. In practice, you obtain expressed consent from a capable patient who can understand the proposed treatments and agree to them.

This differs from implied consent, which applies when a patient cannot communicate (for example, if they are unconscious) and no surrogate is available; in emergencies, you may treat under implied consent to prevent harm. Consent from family members isn’t the patient’s own expressed consent, though they can provide information or act as a surrogate if the patient lacks capacity. Consent isn’t automatic when EMS is called; explicit permission is required unless the situation falls under implied consent.