Medical Consent Form for Minor
Learn about the Medical Consent Form for Minors and download a free template to use in your practice.
What is a Medical Consent Form for Minor?
Healthcare providers must obtain parental consent from parents or legal guardians when providing medical care to minors. In most cases, a minor cannot legally consent to their own healthcare and must have a parent or legal guardian sign off on any medical treatments. A Medical Consent Form for Minor is typically used in these cases, which serves as the legal document and agreement between a healthcare provider and a child's parents or guardians.
This form is generally required for a minor or child's medical care, including routine physicals and immunizations. It can also be used for more serious treatments, such as surgery or certain medications.
Note that a Medical Consent Form for Minors does not replace other consent forms. In some instances, additional documentation may be required. For example, a medical release form for minor individuals permits someone other than the parent or legal guardian to seek medical treatment for a child under 18. The child medical release form is crucial when a child needs emergency medical services while supervised by someone other than their parent or legal guardian, such as a babysitter, coach, or teacher. The form typically includes essential details such as the name, age, and child's medical history and may need to be notarized or witnessed to ensure its legal validity. Note that a medical release form like this should comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Medical Consent Form for Minor Template
Medical Consent Form for Minor Example
How does this child medical consent form work?
Our free child medical consent form is fully digital and easy to use. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Prepare the form
Open the Medical Consent Form for Minor template by clicking "Use template" on this page. You can also save a fillable, non-customizable PDF by clicking "Download." Then, fill out the field about what treatment will be given to the minor.
Step 2: Give your patient's guardian a copy
Provide a copy of the child's medical consent form and explain it to the guardian. Give them time to read through and ask any questions they may have.
Step 3: Guardian fills out the form
The guardian or parent should provide all necessary information, such as their name, relationship to the minor, contact details, and signature.
Step 4: Sign the consent form
Once the guardian has signed and dated the form, you should also sign it. Be sure to include your name, title, contact details, and the date.
Step 5: Keep a copy for your records
Keep a signed and dated copy of the medical consent form in your records in case you need to refer to it in the future. Store it in a secure location.
When should you use a Medical Consent Form for Minors?
You should use child medical consent forms when treating a patient under 18. These legal documents grant permission from a child's parent or legal guardian to another adult or healthcare provider to seek medical treatment for the child in case of illness or injury when the parent or guardian is not available.
This form should be completed before the medical treatment, and all parties should keep a copy. You can also use this form to:
Obtain permission for medical tests
You can use a medical consent form to gain permission from a parent or guardian to perform medical tests on their minor child. This can include anything from routine blood tests to X-rays and other imaging tests.
Get permission for medication
A Medical Consent Form for Minor can be used to gain permission from a parent or guardian to prescribe medication to their child, such as over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Get authorization for surgery or treatment
If you plan to perform surgery or other treatments on a minor or a child, you must obtain the proper authorization from their parent or legal guardian.
Ensure all parties are on the same page
By having a guardian sign the Medical Consent Form for Minor, you can ensure everyone involved is on the same page — the patient, their parent or guardian, and yourself. This also helps protect all parties in case of a dispute.
Who can use this Medical Consent Form for Minor PDF ?
Most healthcare professionals can use our printable Medical Consent Form for Minors template, especially regarding medical decisions. It's beneficial for:
- General practitioners
- Doctors
- Pediatricians
- Dentists
- Emergency responders
- Specialists
- Medical facilities or hospitals
It can also be used by teachers, coaches, and other adults who may need to provide medical treatment to minors. It's like a medical authorization wherein parents or legal guardians consent to medical treatment of the child or minor.
Commonly asked questions
A medical consent form for a minor should include the minor’s name, date of birth, and the parent or legal guardian’s contact details. It must also authorize treatment at the preferred medical facility and contain a signature, and date.
In the US, minors under 18 generally cannot obtain medical care without parental consent, except in specific circumstances like emergencies, reproductive health, or mental health care, where state laws may vary.
Passive parental consent allows parents to opt out of allowing their child to seek medical care, meaning that consent is assumed unless the parent declines or explicitly refuses permission. This is primarily used in research involving minors when the research only has minimal risk to participants, and itis subject to approval of Institutional Review Boards.