What does actual or expressed consent refer to in a healthcare context?

In the healthcare context, actual or expressed consent refers to a patient's clear and unequivocal agreement to undergo a particular treatment or procedure. This consent can be communicated either through a written format or verbally, but it must demonstrate that the patient understands and agrees to the treatment being proposed, including any associated risks and benefits.

Option C is the most comprehensive as it encompasses both written and oral agreements, allowing for flexibility in how consent can be expressed. This means that regardless of whether the agreement is documented on paper or communicated verbally, as long as the patient has provided informed consent regarding the proposed treatment, it qualifies as actual or expressed consent.

The other options are more limited in scope, focusing either solely on written or oral agreements without acknowledging that both methods are valid and equally serve the purpose of expressing consent when done appropriately.