In matters involving minors, who provides consent when required under TBCE rules?

• A. The minor can consent for all procedures.
• B. Guardians provide consent where required; the patient’s autonomy and best interests must be considered.
• C. Guardians may give consent only with the patient's assent.
• D. The board provides approval instead of consent.

Answer: (B)

Guardians provide consent for minors when required by TBCE rules, while the minor’s developing autonomy and best interests must be considered in the decision-making process. Since minors typically lack legal capacity to consent, a parent or guardian authorizes procedures, and clinicians should involve the minor by seeking assent appropriate to their age and understanding. Assent does not replace guardian consent; it complements it by honoring the minor’s views. The board does not issue approvals in place of consent, and the standard practice is not that minors can consent for all procedures. In certain cases, such as emancipation or specific mature-minor scenarios, the minor may have additional authority, but the general rule centers on guardian consent with regard for the minor’s best interests.