... treatment•Degree of understanding of the risks and benefits of conventional and CAM treatments•Knowing and voluntary acceptance of those risks by the patient•Persistence of patient’s intention ... (17).Assumption of risk has been allowed as a defense in at least one case involving patientelection of a CAM therapy instead of conventional care (i.e., of a nutritional protocolin lieu of conventional ... Department of Neurosurgery, Lahey Clinic,Burlington, MAMichael H. Cohen • Principal, Law Of ces of Michael H. Cohen, Cambridge, MA;Assistant Professor, Department of Health policy and Management, ...