Medical staff must explain the condition and proposed treatment. For surgery or special procedures they must explain the risks and alternatives in time and obtain the patient's explicit consent (or, where telling the patient is inappropriate, a close relative's consent). Failing this duty and causing harm makes the institution liable.

医务人员在诊疗活动中应当向患者说明病情和医疗措施。需要实施手术、特殊检查、特殊治疗的，应当及时向患者具体说明医疗风险、替代医疗方案等情况，并取得其明确同意；不宜向患者说明的，应当向患者的近亲属说明并取得同意。未尽到说明义务造成损害的，医疗机构承担赔偿责任。