Under Indiana law, informed consent must include which elements?

• A. Informed consent must include risks, benefits, and alternatives.
• B. Informed consent is legally required only for invasive procedures.
• C. Informed consent must be notarized for validity.
• D. Informed consent is not required in emergencies.

Answer: (A)

Indiana law requires that patients be provided with information they need to make an informed decision about a proposed treatment. The essential elements are explaining the risks, the benefits, and reasonable alternatives to the proposed care, so the patient can weigh what may happen and what other options exist. This supports patient autonomy by ensuring understanding and room to ask questions before consenting. Notarization is not required, and consent isn’t dependent on a formal notarization. In emergencies, a provider may proceed if the patient cannot consent and delaying care would risk serious harm, so the statement that consent isn’t required in emergencies isn’t accurate. The choice describing risks, benefits, and alternatives best reflects Indiana’s informed-consent requirements.