Teenagers, physicians, and the law in New England.
Physicians who treat teenagers are often unclear about the teenagers' legal rights and their own legal responsibility and liability. While laws may vary from state to state, certain doctrines are uniformly applicable: confidentiality, emergency treatment, and the right of the "mature minor" to consent to his or her own medical treatment. In this article, the laws pertaining to adolescent health care in the six New England states are reviewed. Guidelines for practitioners are given.
D000029:Abortion, Legal; D000293:Adolescent; D000295:Adolescent Medicine / Q000592:standards; D002651:Child Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D002961:Civil Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003267:Contraception; D006801:Humans; D007883:Legislation, Medical; D033242:Minors; D009511:New England; D033282:Parental Consent; D035622:Parental Notification; D028701:Patient Rights; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement