When can I make my own medical decisions?

When am I considered “medically capable”?

A doctor may find you capable to make your own healthcare decisions if they determine you understand:

• The need for a medical treatment
• What the treatment involves
• The benefits and risks if you get or don’t get the treatment

Courts are flexible in deciding if a child is capable. It depends on how mature you are and how serious the medical treatment is.

Do I need my parent/guardian’s permission?

If the doctor or health care provider believes you are capable, you consent, and the health care is in your best interest, they can treat you without permission from your parents or guardian.

Confidentiality: Will my parents find out?

Your Right to Privacy

If your doctor thinks you can make your own medical decisions, your medical info stays private between you and your doctor. This is called doctor-patient confidentiality. Your doctor shouldn’t share any details about your health with anyone, including your parents, unless you say it’s okay.

Sharing Your Info

If you are capable, the doctor won’t tell your parents about your medical care unless you give them permission.If your doctor wants to share your medical info with someone else, they need your permission. You’ll need to sign a “consent” form that says what info can be shared and with whom.

When Privacy Can Be Broken

There are a few times when your doctor might need to share your info, even if you don’t want them to:

• Safety Concerns: If there’s a good reason to believe you might harm yourself or someone else.
• Abuse: If there’s a reportable case of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.

Talking to Your Doctor

If you want your medical information to stay private, tell your doctor. You can always ask your doctor if they consider you medically capable.

What happens if the doctor doesn’t think you are capable?

If a doctor doesn’t think you a capable, your parent or guardian will make healthcare decisions for you and will be informed of any treatments you receive.

Can doctors treat me without my consent ?

If your life or health is seriously threatened and you aren’t capable of making health care decisions, you may be treated without your consent.