2.9 Can my minor child consent to care?

It depends on the minor child’s age and the type of care.

Minor’s age

A minor is a child under the age of eighteen (18) years old.
Whether a minor can consent to care alone depends on if
he/she is older or younger than fourteen (14) years.

Type of care

Care that is medically required means you need the care so you
can maintain your health.
For example, imagine you have a hard time breathing through your nose.
You need an operation to fix your nose so you can breathe easier.
This care is medically required.

Care that is not medically required means you do not need the care
to maintain your health.
For example, you do not like your nose. If you have an operation
to make your nose smaller, this care is not medically required.

A child younger than 14 years

The general rule is the parents or tutor must consent to any
treatment for a child younger than fourteen (14) years old.