If the next of kin is a minor, what action occurs?

• A. The minor becomes the surrogate with parental consent
• B. A court appoints a conservator to oversee the management of assets until the age of majority
• C. The patient may appoint any adult as surrogate
• D. The facility appoints a surrogate automatically

Answer: (B)

When a next of kin is a minor, legal capacity to manage someone else’s assets isn’t present, so a court steps in to protect the interests involved. A conservator is appointed by the court to oversee and manage the minor’s assets until they reach the age of majority, typically 18, ensuring funds are safeguarded and used appropriately under ongoing judicial supervision. This is necessary because minors cannot legally handle property or make binding financial decisions on behalf of others.

The other scenarios don’t fit because a minor cannot automatically act as a surrogate or guardian, parental consent alone does not grant legal authority, and a facility cannot unilaterally appoint a surrogate without a formal guardianship or conservatorship process.