What principle is involved when a healthcare provider decides what is best for a patient without their consent?

The principle involved when a healthcare provider makes decisions for a patient without their consent is paternalism. This concept refers to actions taken by healthcare professionals where they believe they know what is in the best interest of the patient, often prioritizing the patient's well-being over their right to make their own informed decisions.

Paternalism can occur in situations where a provider might override a patient’s wishes for the sake of their health or safety, assuming that their judgment about what is best for the patient should take precedence. While this can sometimes lead to positive outcomes, it raises ethical concerns about the patient's autonomy and their right to make decisions about their own health care.

In contrast, autonomy emphasizes the patient's right to make their own healthcare decisions, beneficence refers to the obligation of healthcare professionals to act in the best interest of the patient, and non-maleficence is the principle of doing no harm. These principles are critical in the context of healthcare ethics, framing discussions around patient rights and provider responsibilities.