What must be documented when obtaining informed consent?

When obtaining informed consent, it is essential to document the discussion of treatment, including the intended interventions, potential risks, and available alternatives. This documentation reflects the ethical and legal responsibility of health care providers to ensure that patients are fully informed about their treatment options and can make decisions that align with their values and preferences.

Informed consent is not just about getting a signature; it involves a thorough communication process where patients understand the nature of their condition, the proposed treatment, its risks and benefits, and what alternatives may exist. By documenting this discussion, the practitioner demonstrates compliance with legal standards and supports the patient's autonomy in making informed health care decisions.

Other aspects, such as patient complaints and concerns, can be valuable in clinical practice for providing patient-centered care but do not specifically fulfill the necessary components of informed consent. Additionally, while the duration of therapy sessions and the patient's signature are important aspects of treatment, they do not encompass the critical elements required for informed consent documentation.