If a person gives you verbal consent to treat them, is this considered valid consent?

Verbal consent is recognized as valid consent in many situations, particularly in emergency medical scenarios where a person is capable of understanding and agreeing to the treatment being provided. As long as the individual has the mental capacity to give informed consent and is not under duress, their verbal agreement signifies that they understand the nature of the treatment and agree to receive it. This concept is grounded in the principle of autonomy, which respects the individual's right to make decisions about their own body and medical treatment.

While written consent or signed documentation can serve as stronger legal evidence of consent in certain contexts, especially in non-emergency situations or specific medical procedures, verbal consent is sufficient and binding in many emergency situations where time and conditions do not allow for formal documentation.