The Most Important Health Document You’ll Ever Sign

Medical disclaimers are ubiquitous in the United States in the context of health-related products and services. While these disclaimers undoubtedly have important roles in preventing misinformation and setting expectations, they can unintentionally promote a medical-centric perspective rather than one that prioritizes individual choice. They can also convey a sense of mistrust in our capacity to make autonomous health decisions.

It’s evident that we are often exposed to unproven, over-promised, and unsafe quick solutions to health issues. But, optimal health decisions come from finding a middle ground between seeking professional medical advice and relying on individual judgment to discover well-considered solutions. As medical disclaimers remain integral to the American healthcare landscape, individuals should proactively manage their health choices. Critical thinking and thoughtful consideration of one’s circumstances before embarking on new health endeavors are essential to attain the best possible health outcomes.

We must be mindful of the prevalence of disclaimers in our daily lives and replace or add a personal commitment of responsibility to them:

“I am responsible for my health choices.”

I created this personal disclaimer to make the point and to remind us that our health and well-being are ultimately our responsibility.

It is also available for download in our Free Resources Library.

Disclaimer: I am not a legal advisor or a medical doctor, so the reader is responsible for using this information as they see fit. Please do not sue me.