Artificial Intelligence And Informed Consent. It is a bedrock legal principle. Patients are entitled to be informed about prospective medical treatment, and consent to procedures must be informed. But, all too often, the consent process is given short shrift, even with human doctors and patients. A patient is lucky to have a nurse deliver the paperwork on a clipboard. Of course, it wasn't like I was going to refuse to consent to the triple bypass I was told that I needed. After a heart attack, you will be scared enough to agree to just about anything. I did notice that my odds were 98% in favor of survival; so, I wasn't too worried. But, as AI becomes a more important part of clinical decision making, will the hospital robots deliver the paperwork, and answer questions about the treatment? Whom do you sue, when the informed part of consent comes from a computer? I know, it is the human actors' responsibility ultimately; but, human nature being what it is, what Doctor is going to disagree with an AI? We ascribe limitless knowledge to our computer friends.
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