Understanding Informed Consent in Healthcare

A 35-year-old female patient is scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. As part of the preoperative process, the surgical team needs to obtain informed consent. The nurse explains the procedure and its risks and benefits to the patient. However, the patient speaks limited English and does not fully understand the information presented. After discussions about patient comprehension, it is determined that an interpreter is necessary for informed consent.

Fill in the blank: Under the ____, the healthcare provider performing the procedure must ensure that the patient is fully informed and comprehends the risks, benefits, alternatives, and nature of the procedure, thus making an autonomous decision regarding their care.