Opinion ID: 1119367
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Heading Rank: 4

Heading: right to be free from bodily invasion

Text: The common law right to be free from bodily invasion is an alternative basis for the right to refuse life sustaining treatment. See Saikewicz; Storar. Historically, an operation without authorization constituted an assault and battery, as well as malpractice. Physicians' & Dentists' Business Bur. v. Dray, 8 Wn.2d 38, 111 P.2d 568 (1941). This right to be free from nonconsensual invasions of one's bodily integrity is the basis for the doctrine of informed consent which requires physicians to disclose to a patient all material facts and risks concerning the patient's condition, thus enabling the patient to make an informed choice regarding the proposed treatment. Gates v. Jensen, 92 Wn.2d 246, 595 P.2d 919 (1979); RCW 7.70.050. Such information must include the possibility of alternative treatment or no treatment at all. ZeBarth v. Swedish Hosp. Med. Ctr., 81 Wn.2d 12, 499 P.2d 1, 52 A.L.R.3d 1067 (1972); RCW 7.70.050(3)(d). Thus, freedom of choice with respect to medical treatment encompasses the right to refuse life sustaining treatment in certain circumstances.