Which clause ensures that both the patient and a witness have signed the consent form?

• A. Signature Clause
• B. Authorization Clause
• C. Anesthesia Clause
• D. Tissue-disposal Clause

Answer: (A)

The signature clause is the part that records both signatures. In an informed consent form, the patient’s signature shows they understand and agree to the procedure, while the witness signature verifies that the signing occurred in the patient’s presence and that the patient did so voluntarily. This additional witness helps confirm the authenticity of the consent and provides a safeguard against coercion or misunderstanding. The other clauses serve different purposes—authorization relates to granting permission for treatment, anesthesia covers consent for anesthesia, and tissue-disposal outlines what happens to tissue after the procedure.