Legal Advisor-Defining What to Include in a Patient Chart Treating Minors Without Parental Consent
Under most conditions, Massachusetts law requires a minor who seeks medical care to obtain the consent of a parent or guardian. There are a few exceptions including mental health, drug treatment or if the patient believes she is or may be pregnant. Under this law, in instances where a minor has the capacity to consent to medical treatment, that child also has the right to control his or her medical records. For instance, the same law requires that physician must notify the parents or legal guardian of the minor's condition when the physician believes that the minor's condition is "so serious that his life or limb is endangered." Sorting out the complex and sometimes contradictory laws and regulations can be challenging for physicians. Using case study examples, this CME activity examines the circumstances under which a minor patient can be treated without parental consent and what information should be included in the patient's chart to protect themselves in the case of a parent complaint or suit.
Learning Objectives
- Cite specific situations in which a provider may treat minors without obtaining parental consent
- Describe the definition of a "medical record" as documented by regulatory agencies and associations
- Review laws and regulations that pertain to a physician treating minor patients without parental consent
- Assess "best practices" of what should be included in the chart when treating a minor patient.
Course Fees
MMS Member Physicians: $12
Nonmember Physicians: $22
Allied Health Professionals: $9.60
Format: Text
CME Credit: 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, risk management study
