What is consent capacity in healthcare ethics?

• A. The patient’s ability to exhibit consent by signing forms.
• B. The patient’s ability to understand information and make an informed decision.
• C. The hospital's policy on consent.
• D. The role of a substitute decision-maker

Answer: (B)

Consent capacity means the patient has the ability to understand information about a proposed treatment, appreciate how it applies to their own situation, reason about the options and their consequences, and communicate a clear, voluntary decision. It’s about genuine understanding and autonomous choice, not merely signing a form. Capacity is decision-specific and can vary depending on the situation and over time; illness, medications, or cognitive factors can affect it. When someone has capacity, their informed consent is valid. If capacity is lacking, a substitute decision-maker or an advance directive guides decisions. Signing a form or following a hospital policy do not by themselves establish capacity.