Who may provide consent when a patient cannot?

• A. A legally authorized representative or surrogate decision-maker.
• B. The patient’s insurance company.
• C. The hospital administrator.
• D. A nurse on staff.

Answer: (A)

When a patient cannot participate in the decision, someone legally empowered must give consent for treatment. This is a legally authorized representative or surrogate decision-maker, such as a health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care, a court-appointed guardian, or a designated family member acting under applicable laws. The surrogate’s role is to reflect the patient’s known wishes and values, or, if those aren’t known, to act in the patient’s best interests based on medical needs.

The options listed—an insurance company, a hospital administrator, or a nurse on staff—do not have the authority to consent to medical treatment on behalf of the patient. Insurance handles payment, administrators don’t make medical decisions, and while nurses provide care, they cannot authorize procedures without a proper surrogate or the patient’s own consent.