Dealing with Minors

Parental Consent for Minor Treatment 

A 15 year-old male comes to your office for the evaluation of dysuria in your office. He has recently become sexually active and fears a sexually transmitted infection( STI). His parents are divorced and live differently. He asks you not to inform them about his STI. What is the most appropriate way to deal with this patient? 

1. Advise patient to get consent for treatment from his mother 
2. Advise patient to get consent for treatment from his father, if mother is not available  
3. Refuse treatment because he is a minor 
4. Treat patient for his STI 
5. Refer patient to child protection services 

Correct Answer is D. A minor is generally considered to be anyone less than 18 years of age. Minors have the right to consent for reproductive health care, treatment of STIs, treatment of rape or incest, and emergency health care. No parental consent is required in these cases (A,B, and C are incorrect). No need to refer this patient to child protection services (E is incorrect) 

Reference: Clinical Ethics: A Practical Approach to Ethical Decisions in Clinical Medicine, Ninth Edition