Emergency Medical Treatment Authorization and Informed Consent for Minor Patient
Emergency Medical Treatment Authorization and Informed Consent for Minor Patient
Patient, Guardian, and Facility Information
Guardian Authorization for Treatment
I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor patient named above. I am legally authorized to give consent for medical treatment on behalf of this child. I understand that the medical team at this facility will assess, diagnose, and treat my child's presenting complaint. I authorize the treating provider and support staff to: (1) Perform a physical examination, (2) Order and collect blood tests, urine samples, swabs, or other diagnostic tests as clinically needed, (3) Take X-rays or other imaging studies if indicated, (4) Administer medications including oral medications, topical treatments, nebulized therapies, and intravenous (IV) fluids and medications as needed, (5) Perform bedside procedures within the scope of an emergency or urgent care visit, such as wound cleaning, dressing application, splinting, and laceration repair. I understand that I will be informed of any planned procedures before they are carried out wherever possible and that my questions will be answered.
Emergency Treatment Without Guardian Present
If this minor patient presented without a parent or legal guardian, or if the parent or guardian cannot be reached by phone within a medically reasonable time frame: the treating provider may initiate emergency treatment under the emergency treatment exception, which applies when a minor is in immediate danger of serious harm, significant pain, or deteriorating medical condition, and when delay of treatment to obtain consent would substantially worsen the outcome. In all non-emergency situations, treatment will be deferred until a guardian can be contacted and consent can be obtained. The facility will make all reasonable efforts to contact the guardian listed above before initiating non-emergency treatment.
Scope of This Consent
This consent covers assessment and treatment for the presenting complaint documented in the admin section. It does NOT authorize: (1) Surgical procedures requiring an operating room or general anesthesia, (2) Administration of blood products, (3) Admission to the hospital (separate consent will be obtained), (4) Procedures not directly related to the presenting complaint without separate discussion and consent. If additional or unexpected findings require treatment beyond this scope, the treating provider will contact the parent or guardian to discuss the situation and obtain specific consent before proceeding.
Medication Authorization
Temporary Delegation of Consent Authority (if applicable)
If the person accompanying this child is NOT the parent or legal guardian: I, [parent or guardian name], hereby authorize [name of accompanying adult] to consent to emergency and urgent medical treatment on my child's behalf for this visit only. This authorization does not extend to surgical procedures, general anesthesia, or hospital admission without my direct consent. I have been made aware of and agree to this arrangement. [Provider note: if this section is used, both the authorizing parent and the delegated adult should sign below, and their relationship to the patient should be documented.]
Known Allergies and Medical History
Billing and Insurance Acknowledgment
I understand that I am financially responsible for the cost of my child's treatment at this facility. I authorize this facility to submit claims to the insurance provider listed above on my behalf. I understand that any portion not covered by insurance is my responsibility. Itemized billing is available upon request. If I do not have insurance or my claim is denied, I agree to discuss a payment plan with the facility's billing department.
Medical Records Release
I authorize this facility to release a copy of my child's medical records from this visit to: the child's regular pediatrician or family doctor, any specialist or hospital to which my child is referred, and any consulting physician involved in my child's care during this visit. I may request a copy of my child's records for my own records at any time.
Right to Refuse Treatment
As the parent or legal guardian, I have the right to refuse specific treatments or procedures for my child. The treating provider will explain the potential consequences of refusing any recommended treatment. If refusing a treatment places my child at immediate risk of serious harm, the provider may involve hospital social work, child protection services, or legal authorities as required by law to protect the child's welfare.
Guardian Understanding and Confirmation
I confirm that I have read this consent form or had it explained to me. I have had the opportunity to ask questions about my child's assessment and treatment plan. All my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. I understand that this consent covers the presenting complaint only and that I will be contacted or consulted before any significant additional procedures are performed.
Language Access
If English is not your main language, a qualified interpreter is available at no cost. Please notify staff before any treatment begins. In a life-threatening emergency affecting this child, treatment will begin immediately to protect the child's safety.
Copy of Consent
I acknowledge that I have been offered a copy of this signed consent form for my records. A copy will be placed in the minor patient's medical record.
Guardian Authorization
I, as the parent or legal guardian of the minor patient named in this form, voluntarily authorize emergency and urgent medical treatment for this visit as described above. I confirm that all information I have provided about my child's medical history, medications, and allergies is accurate to the best of my knowledge.