informed consent

n. consent given by a patient (or his/her legally authorized representative) to undergo surgery or medical treatment or procedure after being informed and understanding the benefits and risks involved

Informed consent is a legal condition whereby a person can be said to have given consent based upon an appreciation and understanding of the facts and implications of an action. The individual needs to be in possession of relevant facts and also of his reasoning faculties, such as not being mentally retarded or mentally ill and without an impairment of judgment at the time of consenting. Such impairments might include illness, intoxication, insufficient sleep, and other health problems.
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Noun
1. consent by a patient to undergo a medical or surgical treatment or to participate in an experiment after the patient understands the risks involved
(hypernym) consent

A process in which a person learns key facts about a clinical trial, including potential risks and benefits, before deciding whether or not to participate in a study. Informed consent continues throughout the trial.

The process of learning key facts about a clinical trial before participating, including:
Why the study is being done; What is to be accomplished; What will be done and for how long; What risks are involved; What benefits can be expected; What other treatments are available; and Whether the subject may quit the trial at any time.