1. Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes the concept of informed consent in healthcare? a) The patient gives permission for a specific medical procedure after being informed of potential risks and benefits by the healthcare provider. b) The patient is not required to be informed about the risks of a procedure in order to give consent. c) Informed consent is only necessary for minor procedures, not major surgeries. d) Informed consent is optional and can be obtained after a procedure has been performed. Correct Answer: a) The patient gives permission for a specific medical procedure after being informed of potential risks and benefits by the healthcare provider. Rationale: Informed consent requires the patient to be fully informed about risks and benefits before agreeing to a medical procedure, ensuring autonomy and decision-making capacity. 2. Fill-in-the-Blank: Confidentiality of patient information is protected by the _________ rule, which prohibits the disclosure of patient information without consent.