What implies consent when a patient does not object to treatment?

Implied consent in fact occurs when a patient's actions suggest agreement to treatment, even without explicit verbal or written consent. This is often applicable in situations where immediate medical intervention is necessary, and the patient does not explicitly refuse or object to the procedure being performed. For instance, if a patient presents themselves at an emergency room with a severe injury and does not verbally object or signal a desire to refuse treatment, the medical staff can proceed under the assumption that the patient consents to the necessary treatments.

Informed consent involves a more detailed process where the patient is educated about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to a particular treatment before agreeing to it. Expressed consent is when a patient explicitly agrees to a treatment, often verbally or in writing. Written consent requires the patient to sign a document indicating their approval of the treatment, which is not the case in scenarios where the patient has not objected.

Thus, in the absence of objection, the indication is that the patient is providing implied consent in fact, allowing healthcare providers to deliver the necessary care without needing further explicit consent.