It means the former (can't give treatment a patient doesn't consent to). Are there specific types of situations you're thinking about? Outside of cases where t

It means the former (can't give treatment a patient doesn't consent to). Are there specific types of situations you're thinking about? Outside of cases where the patient is unable to provide consent (minority, mental incapacity, unconscious in exigent circumstances), I believe this is largely followed in the US, at least. Childhood vaccines, for example, are optional if you don't want to attend public (or many private) schools.