Informed consent constitutes a complex inquiry. We continue to examine this doctrine in this column through the review of a case from Maryland that addresses specific physician duties that arise under this doctrine.

Between 2011 and 2014, the five health trusts settled a total of 570 cases.

Ernest Cantillon, who specialises in medical negligence cases, said it was difficult to reconcile the State’s obligation to ensure a fair hearing with the way in which it funded the State Claims Agency, the body that manages clinical claims, and “failed” to fund victims.