Adolescent Medicine and Law.
The body of law governing the rights of adolescents and the corresponding duties of their physicians cannot be understood apart from the general body of health care law, upon which it is based. Obligations to young patients, however, are applied with special strictness. Federal, state and local legislation must be taken into account. Basic concepts include the right to medical care, creation and duration of the physician-patient relationship, abandonment by the physician, criteria for legally mandated quality of care, the right of consent, and confidentiality. Also included is a discussion of ethical standards imposed by professional organizations.
Slawkowski
DJ
Lord, Bissell and Brook, 115 S. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60603, USA.