What must physicians disclose to patients according to informed consent laws?

Informed consent laws require physicians to provide patients with comprehensive information regarding a proposed treatment. This includes detailing all potential risks, benefits, and alternatives to the treatment. The rationale behind this requirement is to empower patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It ensures that patients understand not only what the treatment entails but also what they might encounter as a result of undergoing the treatment and what other options might exist. This thorough disclosure is fundamental to respecting patient autonomy and promoting shared decision-making between the physician and patient, which is a cornerstone of medical ethics and law.

The other options do not cover the complete scope of what is required for informed consent. For instance, simply discussing the benefits of the treatment, omitting risks and alternatives, does not provide a full picture essential for informed decision-making. Additionally, while past treatments or current health conditions may be relevant in specific instances, they are not universally necessary disclosures in the context of informed consent regarding a new treatment proposal. Therefore, the requirement to disclose all potential risks, benefits, and alternatives is crucial for ensuring that patients are fully informed.