Who can provide consent for a minor's medical treatment?

The correct answer is that a legal guardian or authorized adult can provide consent for a minor's medical treatment. In most jurisdictions, minors are generally not legally capable of giving informed consent for their own medical care. This means that when a minor requires medical treatment, the law typically designates parents or legal guardians as responsible for granting consent. These adults are assumed to act in the best interests of the minor when it comes to medical decisions.

There are specific circumstances in which a minor might obtain consent on their own, such as in cases of emancipated minors or in specific medical situations (like reproductive health or mental health care) where state laws allow for it. However, for the general rule governing consent for medical treatment, a legal guardian or authorized adult is required to provide that consent.

Emergency personnel may provide care without consent if delaying treatment could pose a risk to the minor's health. However, this does not apply universally and is often situational, based on the nature of the emergency and the immediate need for treatment. It is important to follow local laws and protocols that govern these situations to ensure appropriate care and legal compliance.