Date | Case | Significance | References |
---|---|---|---|
1905 | Mohr v. Williams | When entering into a contract, the physician can operate to the extent of the consent given, but no further. | [31] |
1906 | Pratt v. Davis | Limited implied consent to emergencies or when the patient knows the consequences of allowing the physician to exercise professional judgment | [32] |
1913 | Rolater v. Strain | Strengthened the patient’s control over their care | [33] |
1914 | Schloendorff v. Society of NY Hospital | Competent individuals have a right to decide what will be done to their bodies. Performing surgery without a patient’s consent is assault, and the surgeon may be held liable | [34] |
1957 | Salgo v. Stanford | Physicians must disclose facts necessary to make an intelligent consent for the proposed treatment | [35] |
1960 | Natanson v. Kline | If injury results from a known risk that is not disclosed to the patient, the physician may be liable | [36] |
1972 | Cobbs v. Grant and Wilkinson v. Vesey | Whether a patient should proceed with therapy requires reference to the values of that patient and thus are not exclusively medical determinations | |
1973 | Legislation | Patient’s Bill of Rights published | |
1975-1977 | Legislation | 25 states enacted informed consent laws to decrease malpractice suits. | |
1980 | Truman v. Thomas | Physicians must apprise the patient of the risks of not undergoing treatment | [39] |