What principle is violated when a healthcare provider disregards patient consent?

The principle of autonomy is central to healthcare ethics and refers to respecting an individual's right to make decisions about their own body and medical treatment. When a healthcare provider disregards patient consent, they are violating this principle because they are not honoring the patient’s personal choices and preferences regarding their care. This violation undermines the trust between the patient and the provider, as it represents an overreach of the provider’s authority in making decisions for the patient without their agreement.

In contrast, beneficence relates to promoting the well-being of the patient, while nonmaleficence is about avoiding harm. Justice pertains to fairness and equality in healthcare delivery. Although each of these principles is important, the act of disregarding patient consent directly contradicts the principle of autonomy, which emphasizes the importance of patient involvement and choice in their own healthcare decisions.