The concept of Informed Consent has been developed to protect a competent person’s constitutionally-based legal right to decide what medical treatment they undergo. Often circumstances do not allow for the process to be carried out adequately. The physician must be aware of the patient’s rights, and any deviation from the process of informed consent should be considered and documented carefully in the chart.

Below is an annotated version of the consent form used at our institution. To view a sample of our consent form, click here.

A minor is a person who has not yet reached the age of majority; in most states, 18 years of age

Certain minors can be termed emancipated minors, and are capable of giving informed consent:

• Married, divorced, separated, or widowed
• Certain physical conditions such as pregnancy, suspected pregnancy, or public health threat such as STD