Consent to Treatment for Minors
Complete Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy’s policy regarding age to consent of treatment is 16 years of age.
Any clients under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 years. The accompanying adult must be present in the treatment room.
In NSW the Minors (Property and Contracts) Act 1970 provides guidance regarding the medical and dental treatment of children and adolescents.
- A child aged 14 years or over may consent to his or her medical treatment, and the consent of the child will be effective in terms of defending an action for assault or battery relating to treatment.
- Parents of children under the age of 16 can validly consent to their child’s medical treatment.
- This act does not assist a medical practitioner in a situation where there is a conflict between a child and their parent; a parent can still potentially override a child’s consent to treatment.
References:
- The Medical Insurance Group (MIGA) Fact Sheet Consent to Medical Procedures for Minors – March 2011
- RACGP – Can children and adolescents consent to their own medical treatment – Page 73 – 74
- Library of Congress – Children’s Rights: Australia
