Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

What can a peace officer do in terms of medical consent for a child?

1. Refuse to act if the parent is unavailable

2. Grant consent if the child needs immediate medical care

3. Only take the child into custody

4. Advise the child about their rights

The correct answer is: Grant consent if the child needs immediate medical care

A peace officer has the authority to grant consent for medical care when it is needed urgently and the parent or guardian is unavailable. This situation typically arises when a child requires immediate medical attention, such as in emergencies where delaying care while seeking parental consent could result in harm to the child. The law recognizes the necessity of acting in the best interest of a child's health, thus allowing a peace officer to step in and provide consent for treatment to ensure the child receives the medical attention they need promptly. In the context of this scenario, the other options do not align with the legal framework guiding a peace officer's responsibilities. The refusal to act in the absence of a parent would neglect the child's immediate needs, and simply taking the child into custody does not address the medical emergency. Advising the child about their rights, while important, does not provide the necessary medical consent in urgent situations. Therefore, the ability to grant consent in emergencies is a critical function of peace officers aimed at protecting children's health and wellbeing.