True or False: A patient's representative can give consent if the patient is unable to do so.

The assertion that a patient's representative can give consent if the patient is unable to do so is accurate. In healthcare settings, when a patient is unable to provide consent—due to factors like being unconscious, incapacitated, or mentally unfit—a legally recognized representative may step in to give consent on their behalf. This representative could be a family member, a legal guardian, or someone designated by the patient to make decisions in their absence.

Legal frameworks often outline the hierarchy or criteria by which individuals can act as representatives. This ensures that the rights and wishes of the patient are respected even when they cannot communicate them themselves. It is essential for healthcare providers to verify the authority of the representative to ensure they are acting within legal bounds and the best interests of the patient.

The other options do not reflect the comprehensive nature of consent laws. While emergencies may have different protocols, the ability of a representative to give consent is not strictly limited to such situations. Moreover, consent can be facilitated by a representative even if it was not specified in advance, as long as they hold the appropriate legal authority.