In the anatomical gift consent hierarchy, who has the next priority after the spouse?

• A. A brother or sister over 18
• B. A parent
• C. A guardian of the decedent at the time of death
• D. A son or daughter over 18

Answer: (D)

In the anatomical gift consent hierarchy, decisions when there’s no explicit wish from the decedent are made in a fixed order so the closest family member who can represent the decedent’s preferences steps in. After the spouse, the next person who can authorize donation is an adult child (18 or older). This placement reflects the idea that an adult child is the closest next of kin with a clear, direct connection to the decedent and the capacity to weigh the decedent’s probable wishes. If there’s no surviving spouse or adult child, the authority then moves to other relatives or guardians in the specified order. So the reason this is the next priority is that an adult child is the closest next-of-kin able to consent after the spouse.