1. Competent Adult: A competent adult, who is of legal age and mentally capable, can provide informed consent for their own healthcare. They have the right to be fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a proposed medical procedure or treatment before making a decision.
2. Emancipated Minor: In some cases, a minor who has been legally emancipated from their parents or guardians may have the authority to give informed consent for their own healthcare. Emancipation is a legal process that recognizes a minor as having the rights and responsibilities of an adult.
3. Parent or Legal Guardian: For individuals who are minors or those who have been declared legally incompetent, a parent or legal guardian is generally authorized to give informed consent on their behalf. This ensures that decisions regarding healthcare are made in the best interest of the individual.
4. Healthcare Proxy or Power of Attorney: In situations where an individual is unable to make healthcare decisions due to incapacitation or mental impairment, they may have designated a healthcare proxy or granted power of attorney to another person. This designated individual can provide informed consent on their behalf.