The facts about parental consent
Written parental consent is required unless it is a medical emergency. Parents must provide consent for any non-emergency health services for their minor children under 18 years of age (unless the child is emancipated).
This includes routine check-ups and treatments, as well as areas of care such as reproductive health care, mental health services, and immunizations.
​
Non-emergent care will need to be delayed until the parent’s consent is received.
Heritage Health directs all medical emergencies to the nearest hospital.
​
Who is affected?
The law applies to minor children (Under 18 years of age). It doesn’t apply to emancipated minors.
​
Who can give consent?
Consent for a minor’s health care services must be given by a biological or adoptive parent, or an individual who has been granted exclusive right and authority over the welfare of a child under state law.
What health care services does this apply to?
This law applies to all health care services defined as any service for the diagnosis, screening, examination, prevention, treatment, cure, care, or relief of any physical or mental health condition, illness, injury, defect, or disease.
Providing written consent
Written consent forms are available at all Heritage Health locations. Written consent can be submitted during your child’s appointment check-in or in advance. A new form must be completed for each child annually. If parents are unable or do not wish to attend every appointment with their child at Heritage Health, they have the option to notate this on the consent form for older children.
​
Download the consent form for children ages 14 and under here.
Download the consent for children ages 14 and over here.
Verbal consent
Verbal consent is acceptable in urgent situations and should be witnessed by a health care provider or staff member to ensure proper documentation.
Medical records
The new law says parents have the right to access to their children’s past, present, or future medical, dental, mental, or behavioral health records (including payment records for the provision of health care services). Parents may be denied access to the minor child’s records if access is prohibited by a court order or if they are involved in a criminal investigation related to the child.