Forensic Medicine · Medical Jurisprudence & Law

Age, Consent & When Consent Is Not Needed

1 min read · Verified by professors

SituationConsent required from
Adult, conscious, sound mindPatient himself / herself
MinorParent / guardian
Mentally unsound personGuardian
Unconscious patientGuardian (if available) or emergency doctrine
  • Medical emergency — immediate treatment required to save life.
  • Court-ordered examination — examination directed by law.
  • Certain medicolegal examinations — as provided by law.
  • Notifiable diseases — actions required under public health laws.
High Yield
  • Consent must be voluntary, informed and given by a competent person.
  • Emergency life-saving treatment may be given without consent.