What principle refers to the obligation to remain truthful?

The concept that refers to the obligation to remain truthful is veracity. In healthcare, veracity emphasizes the importance of honesty between healthcare providers and patients. This principle underpins the trust in the provider-patient relationship and is essential for informed consent, where patients need accurate information to make decisions about their care. Maintaining truthfulness not only fosters transparency but also promotes patient autonomy, allowing individuals to make informed choices based on accurate data.

While the other options are important ethical principles as well, they focus on different aspects of healthcare ethics. Beneficence pertains to acting in the best interest of the patient, ensuring that care is provided to benefit them. Non-maleficence refers to the obligation to do no harm, which is another critical aspect of patient care. Autonomy emphasizes the right of patients to make their own decisions regarding their treatment. However, none of these specifically address the obligation to provide truthful information, which is the essence of veracity.