Written Informed Consent Act

# Written Informed Consent Act (HR 4837) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Written Informed Consent Act would require healthcare providers to obtain written informed consent from patients before performing medical procedures or treatments. While informed consent is already a standard medical and legal practice, this bill would establish a federal requirement that this consent be documented in writing rather than allowing verbal consent alone. The specific procedures and treatments covered would be defined within the bill's provisions. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily affect patients, healthcare providers (doctors, hospitals, clinics), and the healthcare system broadly.

Patients would have explicit written documentation of their consent to medical procedures, while healthcare providers would need to ensure compliance with the new federal written consent requirement. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. As of now, it remains in the early stages of the legislative process. No companion bill in the Senate has been identified, which would be necessary for the measure to advance to the President if passed by the House.