California’s Special Rules for Minors and Consent for Treatment

While a parent or legally authorized representative must consent to most medical care for minors, California has special exceptions where minors may authorize their own treatment and consent for themselves, as is described in these situations:

Consent for Reproductive Health-Related Services: In California, a minor of any age may consent for any reproductive health services. This includes consenting to receiving contraceptives, abortion, prenatal care, and treatment for STI’s. Minors age 12 and above may also consent to care that is rendered due to a sexual assault.

Consent for Outpatient Mental Health Services: With respect to mental health services, a minor age 12 and above may consent to outpatient mental health if deemed by their provider to be mature enough. Minors may not independently consent to receiving psychotropic drugs, convulsive treatment, or psychosurgery.

There are several other situations where minors may consent for their own care, such as:

Self-Sufficient Minors: Self-sufficient minors may consent for their own medical treatment in California, though they must be at least 15 years old and be living apart from their patents/ legal guardians/ and must be managing their own affairs.

Emancipated Minors: This includes minors who are legally emancipated by court order, minors who on active military duty with the U.S. armed forces, and minors who have been married.