59MDWI44-121 — Treatment Of Minors

59MDWI44-121 governs medical treatment of minors in facilities under the authority, direction, and control of the Director, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center.

Search 59MDWI44-121

  • Publication number: 59MDWI44-121
  • Title: TREATMENT OF MINORS
  • Date: 2024-07-30

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It establishes consent criteria for minors and identifies when parents, guardians, custodians, or other authorized persons may consent. It also addresses written consent forms, emergency treatment, physician notification, and telephone consent for routine clinical treatment.

Applies to: This instruction applies to all personnel assigned, attached or on contract to the facilities under the authority, direction, and control of the Director, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center.

Topics covered

  • Minor medical consent
  • Parent and non-parent consent
  • Consent exceptions
  • Emergency treatment
  • Non-parent consent forms
  • Telephone consent
  • Mental health consent

Questions and answers

At what age can a patient consent to their own medical treatment?

Only those patients 18 years or older may consent to their own medical treatment. (paragraph 1)

When can a minor consent to treatment for an infectious disease?

Consenting to diagnosis or treatment of an infectious, contagious, or communicable disease that is that is required by law or a rule to be reported by the licensed physician or dentist to a local health officer or the Texas Department of Health, including all diseases within the scope of Section 81.041, Health and Safety Code. (paragraph 1)

When may a physician examine a child without consent?

A licensed physician or dentist has reasonable grounds to believe that a child’s physical or mental condition has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect. In this situation the physician or dentist may examine the child without the consent of the child, the child’s parents or other person authorized to consent. (paragraph 2)

What form is required for non-parent medical consent?

State law requires a Consent to Medical Treatment by a Non-Parent form be completed in full and given to clinic staff to be uploaded into the patient’s electronic medical record. (paragraph 2)

Can treatment begin without consent in an emergency?

Consent is implied in an EMERGENCY and treatment may be started. The treating physician has complete authority to make this decision. (paragraph 2)

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