MINORS, CONSENT FOR TREATMENT OF

In general, only persons eighteen years of age or older are legally capable of consenting to receive medical care. For those younger than eighteen, the consent of a parent or other person legally responsible for the minor must be obtained. There are, however, many exceptions.

"Upon the certificate of one or more reputable practicing physicians, the court may summarily provide for emergency medical and surgical treatment that appears to be immediately necessary to preserve the health and well-being of any child...The court may order the parents, guardian, or custodian...to reimburse the court for the expense involved in providing the emergency medical or surgical treatment..." ORC § 2151.33

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a minor may consent to an examination for the purpose of gathering physical evidence of an alleged sexual offense. Such consent is not subject to disaffirmance because of minority, and consent of the parent, parents or guardian of the minor is not required for such examination. However, the hospital shall give written notice to the parent, parents or guardian of a minor that such an examination has taken place. The parent, parents or guardian of a minor giving consent under this section are not liable for payment for any services provided under this section without their consent. ORC § 2907.29

A minor may give consent for the diagnosis or treatment of any venereal disease by a licensed physician. The consent of the parent or guardian of a minor is not required, but the parents or guardian are not liable for payment unless they consented to the diagnostic or treatment services. ORC § 3709.241

A minor may give consent for the diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician of any condition which it is reasonable to believe is caused by drug abuse, beer, or intoxicating liquor. The consent of the parents or guardian of a minor is not required, but the parents or guardian are not liable for payment unless they consent to the diagnostic or treatment services. ORC § 3719.012

A minor may consent to be given an HIV test for the diagnosis of AIDS or an AIDS-related condition. The consent is not subject to disaffirmance because of minority. The parents or guardian of a minor giving consent are not liable for payment for an HIV test given to the minor without the consent of a parent or guardian. ORC § 3701.242 (B)

Any person seventeen years of age or older may donate blood in a voluntary program, which is not operated for profit, without consent of his parent or guardian. Before obtaining blood donation from students at high schools, joint vocational schools, or technical schools, a blood program shall arrange for the dissemination of written donation information to students to be shared with their parents or guardians. This information shall include a statement that students will be requested to donate blood. ORC § 2108.21

(See also: ANATOMICAL DONATIONS;  CONSENT)

MINORS, CONSENT FOR TREATMENT OF