There are certain exceptions to informed consent. Informed consent is not required in an emergency situation, where a delay in treatment in order to obtain consent would harm the patient.

Other situations when informed consent is not required include when the patient waives the consent process or if a doctor thinks that the patient’s emotional and physical condition could be adversely affected if a full disclosure of the treatment risks is made. In such a situation, disclosure may be withheld (therapeutic privilege). Waivers should be mentioned in writing for the physician’s protection. (Tan SY. Medical malpractice: a cardiovascular perspective. Cardiovasc Ther. 2012;30(3):e140-5)