Which standard requires obtaining consent before acting on behalf of a patient unable to make decisions?

The Best Interest Standard is the correct choice because it emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to act in the best interests of patients who are unable to make their own decisions due to incapacity. This standard requires obtaining consent from a legally authorized representative or surrogate decision-maker when making healthcare decisions on behalf of the patient. It prioritizes the patient's well-being and considers what would be in their best interest, given their previous wishes, values, and overall quality of life.

By contrast, the Informed Consent Standard requires that a patient provides consent based on a full understanding of their treatment options. The Substituted Judgment Standard involves making decisions based on what the patient would likely choose if they were capable of making the decision themselves, which still presumes some level of previous knowledge of the patient's desires. The Autonomy Standard focuses on respecting a person's right to self-determination, which involves capable individuals rather than those who cannot make decisions for themselves. Thus, when patients lack the capacity to consent, the Best Interest Standard is the guiding principle in obtaining consent for their care.