A prenatal informed-consent question usually begins with preserving what was discussed, offered, declined, ordered, received, and documented at each appointment rather than assuming what a record proves.

Create a dated record

  • Appointment notes, referrals, orders, results, patient-portal messages, and after-visit summaries
  • Consent forms, educational materials, interpreter or support-person information, and questions asked
  • The names and dates of prenatal tests, follow-up recommendations, and decisions made after results

The North Carolina statute on informed consent to health care treatment or procedure sets out circumstances relevant to consent questions. It does not determine what happened in a particular appointment or whether an injury was caused by a disclosure, test, or treatment.

The National Library of Medicine’s genetic-testing overview is a general resource for understanding why a clinician may discuss testing. Medical questions should be directed to the treating care team.

Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers provides general information about a North Carolina medical-malpractice matter.

Sources