Before surgery, what must the patient or legal guardian sign?

Before surgery, the patient or the legal guardian must sign a legal consent form. This document is crucial as it provides the healthcare team with the necessary permission to perform the surgical procedure. The consent form ensures that the patient or guardian fully understands the nature of the surgery, its potential risks and benefits, and any alternatives available. It is a legal requirement designed to protect both the patient's rights and the healthcare providers by confirming that informed consent has been obtained prior to the intervention.

In contrast, the other options serve different purposes. The health insurance form relates to coverage and billing aspects rather than consent for the procedure itself. The postoperative care plan outlines what will happen after surgery but does not pertain to consent prior to the procedure. The hospital admission form is for general patient information and does not specifically grant permission for surgery. Therefore, the legal consent form is the critical document that must be signed before proceeding with any surgical intervention.