REALITY OF REFUSAL OF DIAGNOSTIC TESTS; PHYSICIAN’S DUTY OF DISCLOSURE
It is the duty of a physician to disclose to his patient all material information to enable the patient to make an informed decision regarding the taking or refusal to take a diagnostic test.
Material information is information which the physician knows or should know would be regarded as significant by a reasonable person in the patient’s position when deciding to accept or reject the diagnostic test or procedure. To be material a fact must also be one which is not commonly appreciated.
Failure of the physician to disclose to his patient all material information, including the risk to the patient if the test is refused, renders the physician liable for any injury [proximately resulting from] [the legal cause of which was] the patient’s refusal to take the test, if a reasonably prudent person in the patient’s position would not have refused the test had he been given all material information.
NEV J.I. 6.11
BAJI 6.11.5
Hon. Jay Young (Ret.) is a retired judicial officer with decades of experience presiding over complex civil litigation matters. Following a distinguished career on the bench, Judge Young now serves as a mediator, arbitrator, and court‑appointed special master, and discovery referee. Judge Young brings a disciplined, impartial, and results‑oriented approach to dispute resolution. Judge Young is based in Nevada and accepts appointments statewide and nationally, subject to agreement or court order. He can be reached at 855.777.4557 or info@armadr.com
Known for judicial temperament, analytical rigor, and practical problem‑solving, Judge Young assists litigants and counsel in resolving high‑stakes disputes efficiently and with integrity and employing best practices. He is recognized by U.S. News and World Report’s publication Best Lawyers as Arbitration Lawyer of the Year.