Final answer:
The attending surgeon can sign as a witness depending on the hospital policy. It is generally recommended to have an independent witness to avoid conflicts of interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
The attending surgeon can sign as a witness depending on the hospital policy. In some cases, a surgeon may be allowed to act as a witness if there are no other witnesses available. However, it is generally recommended to have an independent witness to avoid conflicts of interest. This is because the attending surgeon may have a personal or professional relationship with the patient, which could potentially influence their testimony.