Finally, special rules apply in certain areas such as family planning, sexually transmitted diseases, alcohol and drug abuse, and psychiatric conditions. Many states statutorily allow teenagers to give consent for these types of medical services without parental approval.
Dr. Tan is emeritus professor at the University of Hawaii. This article is meant to be educational and does not constitute medical, ethical, or legal advice. It is adapted from the author’s book, "Medical Malpractice: Understanding the Law, Managing the Risk" (2006). For additional information, readers may contact the author at siang@hawaii.edu.