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Key Points
- Minors aged 14 and above, or legally emancipated, can typically consent to their own medical treatment at urgent care without parental permission in most states.
- Laws regarding medical treatment for minors vary by state, with some exceptions like pregnancy care, emergencies, and financial independence.
- Important preparation tips for minors visiting urgent care without a parent, including having medical history, insurance information, and emergency contacts.
One of the main factors that determine whether a minor can go to urgent care without a parent is their age. In many states, minors who are at least 14 years old, or who have been legally emancipated, can consent to their own medical treatment. This is according to the National District Attorney’s Association (NDAA), which lists the laws for each state regarding when a minor can consent to routine healthcare. This means that urgent care clinics in most states will accept and treat you, without your parent's permission, if you are at least 14 years old. There are several states, however, that have different laws regarding minors and medical treatment—so it's important to check your state's laws before making any decisions.
Laws Regarding Medical Treatment for Minors Without Parental Consent
When it comes to medical treatment for minors, the laws vary from state to state, according to the NDAA. In general, minors are not considered legally competent to make medical decisions on their own until the age of 14, or in the case of certain medical situations. There are also some exceptions, such as if a minor is seeking pregnancy care, or is legally emancipated. Some states even recognize early high school graduation as an exception to consent laws. Below we go into more detail about exceptions to the laws, how to find out what your state laws say, and when you should consider seeking medical attention if you are a minor.
Exceptions to the Laws
Many states have some exceptions to the laws regarding medical treatment for minors without parental consent. In some cases, minors may be able to consent to medical treatment at any age, without parental consent, if they meet certain criteria.
Some of the exceptions listed with NDAA include the following:
- Legally emancipated minors
- Minors who are married
- Minors who are seeking care for pregnancy
- Minors who are experiencing a medical emergency
- Minors who are seeking care for STDs
- Minors who are seeking care for sexual assault
- Minors who are financially independent, regardless of emancipation status
Additionally, many states allow healthcare providers to provide treatment to minors without parental consent if the treatment is necessary to prevent serious harm or death.
It's important to note that the laws regarding medical treatment for minors without parental consent are complex, and every state is different. If you're a minor and you're considering seeking medical treatment without parental consent, it's important to find out what the laws in your state are. You can usually find this information online. The NDAA and SchoolHouseConnection.org are both great resources.
When a Minor Should Seek Urgent Care Without a Parent
Urgent care clinics are often more accessible and can be a more affordable option when compared to the emergency room. This makes urgent care a great choice for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses, such as:
- Treatment for respiratory illnesses, such as influenza or COVID-19
- Treatment for UTI symptoms
- STD testing and treatment
- Minor injuries that may require an X-ray or stitches
- Treatment for sprains and strains
- Lab tests
- Sports physicals and check-ups
- Management for chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes
- Immunizations
If you're under 18 and need medical care, you may be wondering if an urgent care clinic is the best place for you to go. In most cases, urgent care clinics are a great option, even for minors.
Preparing to Go to Urgent Care When You’re a Minor
If you are preparing to go to urgent care without a parent, it's important to be prepared and have all the necessary information with you. This will help you have a smooth visit and get the most appropriate care and treatment, the below are tips from the Journal of Urgent Care Medicine.
Medical History and Insurance Information
Before going to urgent care, it is important to make sure you know your medical history and have your insurance information with you. This includes:
- Your full name, date of birth, and contact information
- A list of any medical conditions you have, including any allergies and any medications you're taking (including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements)
- Your insurance card if you are insured
Having this information handy will help your doctor assess your situation more accurately and determine the best course of treatment for you.
Emergency Contacts
It's also important to have a list of emergency contacts with you in case of an emergency or in case your doctor needs to contact someone on your behalf. Make sure you have the following information:
- Names and contact information for your parents or guardians
- Names and contact information for any other emergency contacts, such as close relatives or trusted friends
- Names and contact information for other important professionals, such as your therapist if you have one, your school counselor, dentist, or eye doctor
Authorization Forms
Some urgent care clinics require your parent or guardian to fill out an authorization form that gives them permission to assess you and prescribe medical treatment. If this is necessary at your urgent care, make sure you have a copy of this form with you.
You can usually find out if your urgent care requires this by giving them a call before your visit or looking on their website.
Tips for Minors Visiting Urgent Care Without a Parent
If you’re going to urgent care without your parent, you might be feeling a bit nervous about it. Here are some tips that can help you have the best experience possible.
Be Honest About Your Symptoms and Medical History
It is important to be 100% honest about your symptoms and medical history during your visit. This will help the doctor accurately diagnose and treat your condition, and help you avoid any unnecessary tests or procedures. If you are uncomfortable discussing certain topics, you can ask to speak with the healthcare provider privately.
Ask For a Companion
If you are feeling nervous or uncomfortable, you can ask for a medical assistant or patient advocate to stay with you. They can stay with you during your exam, as well as during any tests or procedures.
Ask Questions and Clarify Instructions
It is important to ask questions about anything that you don’t understand. If you feel shy about asking the doctor to clarify something, you can ask the nurse to explain. Asking questions will help ensure that you understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, and any follow-up care that may be necessary.
Follow Up With a Parent or Guardian After the Visit
After your appointment at urgent care, it is important to follow up with your parent or guardian. This will help ensure that they are up-to-date on your health. You can also ask them to help you with any treatments and schedule any necessary appointments or follow-up care.
Going to Urgent Care As a Minor
Urgent care clinics are a valuable resource for anyone who is in need of medical attention—including minors who need to seek medication without a parent or guardian present. However, it is important to remember that each state has its own laws about when a minor can seek medical attention on their own. You should be familiar with the laws in your state, so you understand the ages or circumstances in which a minor can make decisions about their healthcare. Remember in most states, a minor can seek medical attention if they are a certain age (14-16 years old is the average according to NDAA), or if they meet certain criteria, such as:
- Seeking medical attention for STDs
- Seeking medical attention for sexual assault
- Seeking medical attention for pregnancy or possible pregnancy
- Graduated from high school
- Financially independent
- Emancipated
If you are a minor and planning to seek medical attention on your own, keep these in mind:
- Check with your urgent care clinic to ensure that they are able to see and treat you as a minor
- Take your identification or personal information with you
- Take your insurance information with you, if you are insured
- Be prepared to answer questions about your health history, allergies, and current symptoms
- Request a medical assistant or patient advocate to stay with you during your visit
- Ask your doctor and nurse to explain anything that you do not understand
Lastly, it is important to update your parent or guardian about your health after your visit. You should also follow any treatment or follow-up instructions carefully. Use Solv to find urgent care clinics near you, and book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can a minor typically consent to their own medical treatment?
According to the National District Attorney’s Association, in many states, minors who are at least 14 years old can consent to their own medical treatment.What are some exceptions to the laws regarding medical treatment for minors without parental consent?
Exceptions to these laws often include cases where the minor is legally emancipated, married, seeking care for pregnancy, experiencing a medical emergency, seeking care for STDs or sexual assault, or financially independent regardless of emancipation status.What types of medical treatment can urgent care clinics typically provide for minors?
Urgent care clinics can often provide treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses such as respiratory illnesses, UTI symptoms, STD testing and treatment, minor injuries, sprains and strains, lab tests, sports physicals and check-ups, management for chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes, and immunizations.What information should a minor bring when going to urgent care without a parent?
A minor should bring their full name, date of birth, contact information, a list of any medical conditions they have, any allergies, any medications they're taking, their insurance card if they are insured, a list of emergency contacts, and possibly an authorization form from a parent or guardian.What are some tips for minors visiting urgent care without a parent?
Minors should be honest about their symptoms and medical history, ask for a companion if they feel uncomfortable, ask questions and clarify instructions, and follow up with a parent or guardian after the visit.What are some of the circumstances in which a minor can seek medical attention on their own?
In many states, a minor can seek medical attention on their own if they are seeking medical attention for STDs, sexual assault, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, have graduated from high school, are financially independent, or are emancipated.What should a minor do before going to an urgent care clinic?
A minor should check with the urgent care clinic to ensure that they are able to see and treat them, take their identification or personal information with them, take their insurance information with them if they are insured, and be prepared to answer questions about their health history, allergies, and current symptoms.What should a minor do after their visit to an urgent care clinic?
After their visit, a minor should update their parent or guardian about their health and follow any treatment or follow-up instructions carefully. They may also need to schedule any necessary appointments or follow-up care.
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