In a case where a minor has a dependent child, who may provide consent for the dependent child's medical care?

In a case where a minor has a dependent child, who may provide consent for the dependent child's medical care?

• A. Both Mai and Jerome
• B. Jerome
• C. Jerome's parents
• D. Mai

Answer: (A)

Consent for a dependent child’s medical care comes from the child’s parent or guardian. If a minor is a parent, that minor has the authority to consent for their child just as any other parent would. When two people share parental responsibility, both may have the right to provide that consent, and the healthcare team can rely on either—or both—depending on custody arrangements. In this scenario, Mai and Jerome are the parents/guardians of the dependent child, so both have the authority to consent to the child’s medical care. Grandparents or other relatives don’t automatically have this right unless they’re officially the guardians.

Consent for a dependent child’s medical care comes from the child’s parent or guardian. If a minor is a parent, that minor has the authority to consent for their child just as any other parent would. When two people share parental responsibility, both may have the right to provide that consent, and the healthcare team can rely on either—or both—depending on custody arrangements. In this scenario, Mai and Jerome are the parents/guardians of the dependent child, so both have the authority to consent to the child’s medical care. Grandparents or other relatives don’t automatically have this right unless they’re officially the guardians.