Under Washington law, who is presumed to be competent to give informed consent?

Under Washington law, the presumption of competence to give informed consent applies to all adults. This means that individuals over the age of 18 are generally assumed to have the necessary capacity to understand the information relevant to their decision-making and the implications of their choices. This presumption is foundational in law and healthcare, as it ensures that adults can engage in contracts and medical decisions without needing constant validation of their competence.

Informed consent is a critical aspect of both medical practice and legal agreements, underscoring the belief that adults have the right to make decisions regarding their own bodies and lives. There are specific circumstances, such as in cases involving minors, individuals with significant cognitive impairments, or those under guardianship, where competency could be questioned. However, absent such factors, all adults are typically viewed as capable of providing informed consent in Washington.