Most nurses view obtaining consent and providing treatment as routine. But when the patient is a minor, especially an older child or adolescent, obtaining consent can be anything but routine. How can a nurse know when a minor can grant consent and when consent must come from parents or guardians?
— RN
As this nurse’s question indicates, obtaining consent for a patient under the age of 18 can be complex—certainly more complex than it used to be. In the past, only adults could grant informed consent, so parents and legal guardians gave consent for patients under age 18. A minor simply wasn’t seen as being capable of making an informed healthcare decision.
Over time, this view has changed. Today, many states recognize exceptions, including emancipated minors, mature minors, minors with certain health conditions, and minors needing emergency treatment.