Riese v. St. Marys Hospital established that patients have the right to informed consent for antipsychotic drugs except in what situation?

• A. Emergency
• B. If patient is a minor
• C. If family objects
• D. Never

Answer: (A)

Informed consent for antipsychotic drugs is the baseline rule, emphasizing patient autonomy and the right to know and agree to treatment. The exception recognized in emergencies is what makes this question key: when a patient is in an acute crisis, unable to understand or communicate, and delaying treatment could cause serious harm or death, a clinician can administer necessary antipsychotic medication without prior consent under implied consent. Once the patient stabilizes and regains capacity, ongoing treatment should be reviewed with the patient’s consent. This emergency exception explains why the correct situation is emergency, rather than requiring consent in all cases.