Informed consent requires a doctor to provide information about the medical condition of a patient and the available medical care options before a procedure. Patients must be informed of the diagnosis, the purpose and nature of the suggested treatment, the procedure’s benefits, and any potential risks or side effects. Patients also need to be made aware of any feasible alternative treatments available to them. Informed consent forms the basis of mutual trust between a healthcare provider and a patient. If a doctor fails to adequately inform a patient about the possible implications of a medical procedure and he or she develops complications, the doctor can be sued.