Who may grant consent on behalf of a minor or incapacitated person?

• A. The patient's neighbor.
• B. A court-appointed guardian.
• C. A receptionist.
• D. A random bystander.

Answer: (B)

When someone cannot make their own medical decisions, a legally authorized surrogate holds the authority to consent. A court-appointed guardian is the person with that formal legal power to approve treatment for a minor or an incapacitated adult, ensuring decisions are made in the patient’s best interest and backed by the law. Neighbors, receptionists, or random bystanders have no legal authority to consent on another person’s behalf, so their agreement isn’t binding for medical care. Generally, a parent or guardian acts for a minor, while an incapacitated adult relies on a court-appointed guardian or other legally recognized proxy to make health decisions.