Can a minor seek health care in Maryland without his or her parents or guardians consent?
Yes! In the state of Maryland, the law states that a minor (person under 18 years old) can consent for some health care without needing permission from their parents or guardians.
What does consent for care mean?
- Consent pretty much means the same thing as the word “agree.” Consent means “to give permission for something to happen.”
Saying “I agree to let you borrow my phone” and “I consent to let you borrow my phone” means the same thing.
Consent is important at the doctor’s office.
- You or your parents must consent/agree to have services done. This means the doctor cannot do anything you or your parents do not agree to.
- Example: The doctor would like to do an STD test. The test can only happen if you give consent.
- The doctor can also only share information about you if you give consent/agree for this to happen or if s/he is otherwise permitted to share the information under the law.
- Example: The doctor you saw last year would like to share your health information with your school clinic. This can only happen if you give your consent.
What health care services can a minor (person under 18 years old) consent for themselves?
The list below shows services that you can agree to have done without needing permission from your parents/guardians.
- Sexual and reproductive health care services including…
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and treatment
- Birth control (or “contraception”) for preventing pregnancy.
- Pregnancy testing and care
- Drug and alcohol problems
- Mental health treatment and counseling (only if you are 16 years old or older)
- Care if sexual assaulted or raped
- Emergency situations when a parent/guardian is not available
- A minor may also consent for medical services if they are:
- Married
- A parent
