Most New Yorkers have probably heard the term “informed consent,” but they may not be familiar with what it means to their health care. According to the American Medical Association, informed consent means that patients must be given information about a recommended treatment, its benefits and its side effects so they can make an educated choice about their medical care. However, standard practices for informed consent vary among states, and there are competing interests which may leave patients at a disadvantage.

While the odds are low that a given doctor may have a checkered past, it is difficult for New York patients to find out. This is according to findings from Consumer Reports after obtaining a list of all California doctors on probation as of the later portion of 2015. There were 500 doctors on probation at the time, and the offenses ranged from inappropriate sexual conduct with patients to practicing while under the influence.