From the Guidelines
In Utah, a patient under the age of 18 can be seen with verbal parental consent, with the "mature minor rule" suggesting that children after age 12 or 13 years who appear to be "mature" have the right to consent or withhold consent to general medical treatment, except in cases in which refusal would significantly endanger health 1. The acceptance of verbal consent is based on the understanding that parents have the legal authority to make healthcare decisions for their minor children, while balancing the practical need to provide timely care when a parent may not be physically present but can be reached by phone. Key points to consider include:
- Verbal consent should be documented in the patient's medical record, noting who provided the consent, their relationship to the patient, and the date and time it was obtained.
- Written consent is still recommended for more complex procedures, surgeries, or treatments with significant risks.
- Healthcare facilities may have their own policies requiring written consent for certain services, so providers should be familiar with their institution's specific requirements. The "mature minor rule" is an ethical position that acknowledges the varying cognitive abilities of children and adolescents, and allows for those who demonstrate maturity to make informed decisions about their healthcare 1. However, it is essential to note that this rule is not universally applied and may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the laws of the state. In the context of Utah, the "mature minor rule" suggests that children after age 12 or 13 years who appear to be "mature" have the right to consent or withhold consent to general medical treatment, except in cases in which refusal would significantly endanger health 1.
From the Research
Age of Patient for Verbal Parental Consent in Utah
- There are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as the provided studies do not mention the specific age at which a patient can be seen with verbal parental consent in the state of Utah 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on substance use disorder treatment, reproductive health needs, and healthcare services, but do not provide information on the age of consent for medical treatment in Utah.