At around the age of 14, young people can give their consent for simple health treatments without involving their parents or guardians. This is because they are expected to live with their parents or guardians until they can function independently in society. However, when is the right time to leave a child alone at home? This has been a topic of debate for many years, and there is still no clear answer. Currently, the laws that govern leaving children alone at home vary from state to state.
Any minor can give their consent for non-emergency and ambulatory primary care services, such as physical exams, eye exams and eyeglasses, dental exams, hearing tests and hearing aids, vaccines, treatments for diseases and conditions, and routine follow-up care typically provided by a health care provider in an outpatient setting. This includes elective surgeries as well. The consent of the parent or legal guardian is not necessary for hospital, medical, or surgical care related to an illness. The consent of a minor who believes they are suffering from an illness is valid and binding as if they had reached the age of majority.
They can also give their consent to receive medical or dental care if they have been in contact with a disease defined as dangerous to public health. However, they can only give their consent for care related to the diagnosis or treatment of that disease.
