Can a grandmother provide informed consent for a minor patient?

Informed consent is a critical component of healthcare, particularly when it involves minors. In the context of dental care, only a person who has legal authority over the minor, such as a legal guardian or a parent, can provide informed consent for treatment. A grandmother, unless designated as the legal guardian, does not automatically have the legal authority to make healthcare decisions for her grandchild.

This requirement ensures that individuals providing consent for treatment are recognized by law and able to make informed decisions regarding the health and welfare of the child. Legal guardianship is typically established through court proceedings or legal documentation, which grants certain rights and responsibilities over the care of the minor.

While a grandmother can certainly advocate for a child's needs and may be involved in their care, she cannot legally provide informed consent in the absence of being the appointed legal guardian. This recognizes the significance of having a formal legal relationship to ensure that the best interests of the child are upheld in medical decisions.