What term is used for a formal agreement between a patient and a provider regarding treatment?

The term "informed consent" refers to a formal agreement between a patient and a healthcare provider that outlines the treatment options, risks, benefits, and alternatives. This process is essential in healthcare, as it ensures that patients are fully aware of and understand what their treatment entails before they agree to proceed. Informed consent protects the patient’s autonomy and right to make decisions about their own healthcare by providing them with the necessary information to make an educated choice.

The informed consent process not only involves a discussion of the proposed treatment but also ensures that the patient is competent to make decisions and understands the information presented. This agreement is crucial for ethical medical practice, as it fosters trust and respects the patient's rights.

The other options, while related to healthcare, do not pertain specifically to the formal agreement aspect. A treatment plan outlines the specific therapeutic strategy for a patient but does not encompass the patient's consent for treatment. Power of attorney involves legal authority and decision-making rights, but it is not directly about patient treatment agreements. A health insurance policy relates to financial coverage and does not specifically address treatment agreements between a patient and provider.