Code of Federal Regulations Title 42. Public Health § 42.441.258 Consent form requirements

(i) Before the individual to be sterilized signed the consent form, he or she advised the individual to be sterilized that no Federal benefits may be withdrawn because of the decision not to be sterilized;

(ii) He or she explained orally the requirements for informed consent as set forth on the consent form;  and

(iii) To the best of his or her knowledge and belief, the individual to be sterilized appeared mentally competent and knowingly and voluntarily consented to be sterilized.

(i) Shortly before the performance of sterilization, he or she advised the individual to be sterilized that no Federal benefits may be withdrawn because of the decision not to be sterilized;

(ii) He or she explained orally the requirements for informed consent as set forth on the consent form;  and

(iii) To the best of his or her knowledge and belief, the individual appeared mentally competent and knowingly and voluntarily consented to be sterilized.

Except in the case of premature delivery or emergency abdominal surgery, the physician must further certify that at least 30 days have passed between the date of the individual's signature on the consent form and the date upon which the sterilization was performed.

(i) In the case of premature delivery, must state the expected date of delivery;  or

(ii) In the case of abdominal surgery, must describe the emergency.