What must happen for a grandparent to consent to medical treatment without written consent?

• A. The grandparent must act in the child's best interest and no parent is present.
• B. The grandparent must be the legal guardian.
• C. Consent must be in writing.
• D. A doctor can decide unilaterally.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a minor’s medical decisions usually come from a parent or legal guardian, but there’s a specific allowance when a grandparent steps in. A grandparent can consent to medical treatment without written consent only if they are acting in the child’s best interests and there is no parent available to provide consent. This ensures the child's welfare is the priority and that care isn’t delayed simply because a parent isn’t present. In practice, if a parent is available or if the grandparent isn’t the child's guardian, the parent’s or guardian’s consent is required. In emergencies, doctors may treat under implied consent, but the scenario described focuses on the grandparent acting in the absence of a parent and in the child’s best interests.