Teen Consent to Treat
As your child moves toward adulthood, we aim to partner with you in encouraging their independence in managing their own health and health care. We ask now that you review New Hampshire law and our practice policies regarding health care consent for minors.
Minor Consent Laws in New Hampshire
The age of majority in New Hampshire is 18; anyone younger than age 18 is legally a minor. Young adults age 18 or older are allowed to consent for their own health care; their right to consent may be limited if they are cognitively impaired and unable to give informed consent.
For adolescents who are minors, the consent of a parent or another authorized adult is generally required. However, there are exceptions to this requirement contained in New Hampshire’s “minor consent laws,” including emergency care, sexually transmitted infection care, HIV testing, treatment for drug dependency or problems related to drug use, and community mental health services. Additionally, although New Hampshire does not have an explicit law authorizing minors to consent for contraception, it also does not have a law prohibiting them from doing so or explicitly requiring parental consent for contraception.
We prefer a parent or guardian of every child under the age of 18 years to accompany their child to each appointment when possible so that they can be updated on non-confidential aspects of the visit and treatment plan. However, once your child is able to drive themselves, you and/or they may wish for them to come alone to some appointments, or for them to be accompanied by a non-guardian. If this is the case, Pediatric Associates requires written permission to see the child without a parent/guardian. This can be sent to us via the patient portal or faxed to our offices PRIOR to the appointment.
