State Policy (May 2026)
Minor Medical Consent Laws by State: Rights for Minors & Unaccompanied Youth
State-by-state guide to minor medical consent laws. Covers mental health, substance use, infectious diseases, and healthcare rights for minors who are living on their own, including unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness.
General Healthcare Consent Laws by State
In 36 states and the District of Columbia, statutes grant certain minors — including those living apart from parents or experiencing homelessness — the right to consent to medically necessary healthcare without parental or guardian approval. These laws are especially critical for unaccompanied youth and minors living independently, who may otherwise face barriers to receiving timely routine medical care.
Because these laws are constantly evolving — especially regarding reproductive healthcare and minor consent rights — this resource is updated regularly to reflect the most recent legislative changes.
Eligibility criteria vary significantly by state
The right to consent often depends on one or more of the following factors:
- By age — Some states allow minors to consent to their own care starting at 12, 14, 15, or 16 years old.
- By living situation — Others apply when minors are “living separate and apart” from their parents or “managing their own financial affairs.”
- By emancipation — In some states, emancipated minors have the same healthcare rights as adults.
- By condition or service — Certain laws only cover specific services, such as sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, mental health treatment, substance use care, or vaccinations.
This guide provides a comprehensive, state-by-state breakdown of minor medical consent laws, highlighting where minors living on their own — including unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness — have the legal authority to make decisions about their general, medically necessary healthcare.
In addition to routine healthcare consent, this resource also details where minors are legally allowed to consent to care involving:
- Mental health conditions and counseling, including in-patient care
- Substance use disorder diagnosis and treatment
- Infectious, contagious, or reportable diseases
If a state is not listed, it is because no law was identified explicitly granting minors living independently the right to consent to medically necessary care. In these states, it is less likely that unaccompanied homeless youth will be able to receive non-emergency care without parental involvement.
- Note: This guide does not include all laws that apply to minors who are married, pregnant, serving in the military, or states where access relies solely on court rulings under the “mature minor doctrine.” While the doctrine exists in some jurisdictions, most healthcare providers rarely apply it in practice, making statutory protections the most reliable path for minors seeking care.
For questions, updates, or to share information about minor medical consent laws in your state, please contact Rodd Monts.
SchoolHouse Connection, October 2025. This document is not legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining professional legal advice.
State-by-State Overview
AL-DE
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Ala. Code §22-8-4
An individual who is 16 years of age or older or a minor who has graduated from high school, who is pregnant, or who is not dependent on a parent or legal guardian for support and living apart from his or her parents, may give consent to medical, dental, health or mental health services for himself or herself, and the consent of no other individual is necessary.
Ala. Code §22-8-5
Any minor who is married, or having been married is divorced or has borne a child may give effective consent to any legally authorized medical, dental, health or mental health services for himself or his child or for herself or her child.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
Ala. Code §22-8-6
Any minor may give effective consent for any legally authorized medical or mental health services to: (1) Determine the presence of, or treat sexually transmitted infections, drug dependency, or alcohol toxicity or; (2) Determine the presence of any reportable disease, and (3) Prevent or determine the presence of pregnancy. The consent of no other individual is necessary for a minor to receive any of these services.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Alaska Stat. §25.20.025
A minor living apart from his or her parents and who is managing his or her own financial affairs, regardless of the source or extent of income, may give consent for medical or dental services
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Ariz. Rev. Stat. §44-132
Any emancipated minor, any minor who has contracted a lawful marriage or any homeless minor may give consent to the furnishing of hospital, medical and surgical care to such minor, and such consent shall not be subject to disaffirmance because of minority. The consent of the parent, or parents, of such a person is not necessary in order to authorize hospital, medical and surgical care.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Ark. Code §20-9-602(7)
Any one of the following persons may consent, either orally or otherwise, to any surgical or medical treatment or procedure not prohibited by law that is suggested, recommended, prescribed, or directed by a licensed physician: (7) Any unemancipated minor of sufficient intelligence to understand and appreciate the consequences of the proposed surgical or medical treatment or procedures, for himself or herself; (14) a local educational agency McKinney-Vento homeless liaison for unaccompanied homeless youth.T
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Cal. Fam. Code §6922
(a) A minor may consent to the minor’s medical care or dental care if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) The minor is 15 years of age or older.
(2) The minor is living separate and apart from the minor’s parents or guardian, whether with or without the consent of a parent or guardian and regardless of the duration of the separate residence.
(3) The minor is managing the minor’s own financial affairs, regardless of the source of the minor’s income.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
Cal. Fam. Code §6926
a) A minor who is 12 years of age or older and who may have come into contact with an infectious, contagious, or communicable disease may consent to medical care related to the diagnosis or treatment of the disease, if the disease or condition is one that is required by law or regulation adopted pursuant to law to be reported to the local health officer, or is a related sexually transmitted disease, as may be determined by the State Public Health Officer.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Colo. Rev. Stat. §13-22-103
A minor 14 years of age or older who is living separate and apart from his or her parent, parents, or legal guardian, with or without the consent of his or her parent, parents, or legal guardian, and is managing his or her own financial affairs, regardless of the source of his or her income may give consent to the furnishing of hospital, medical, dental, emergency health, and surgical care to himself or herself.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
13 Del. Code §707
Consent to the performance upon or for any minor by any licensed medical, surgical, dental, psychological or osteopathic practitioner or any nurse practitioner/clinical nurse specialist or any hospital or public clinic or their agents or employees of any lawful medical treatment, and to the furnishing of hospitalization and other reasonably necessary care in connection therewith, may be given by: (5) A minor or by any person professing to be serving as temporary custodian of such minor at the request of a parent or guardian of such minor for the examination and treatment of (i) any laceration, fracture or other traumatic injury suffered by such minor, or (ii) any symptom, disease or pathology which may, in the judgment of the attending personnel preparing such treatment, if untreated, reasonably be expected to threaten the health or life of such minor; provided, however, that the consent given shall be effective only after reasonable efforts shall have been made to obtain the consent of the parent or guardian of said minor.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
13 Del. Code §710
A minor 12 years of age or over who professes to be either pregnant or afflicted with contagious, infectious or communicable diseases within the meaning of Chapters 5 and 7 of Title 16, or who professes to be exposed to the chance of becoming pregnant, may give written consent, except to abortion, to any licensed physician, hospital or public clinic for any diagnostic, preventive, lawful therapeutic procedures, medical or surgical care and treatment, including X rays, by any physician licensed for the practice of medicine or surgery or osteopathic medicine or surgery in this State and by any hospital or public clinic, their qualified employees or agents while acting within the scope of their employment.
DC-KS
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Law L23-0193 (effective Mar. 16, 2021)
A minor age 11 or older may consent to receive a vaccine where the vaccination is recommended by the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The law also establishes that if a minor is able to comprehend the need for, the nature of, and any significant risks inherent in the medical care then informed consent is established.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Fla. Stat. §743.067
Unaccompanied homeless youth 16 and older can consent for their or their children’s medical, dental, psychological, substance abuse and surgical diagnosis and treatment. Unaccompanied homeless status can be documented by a local educational agency McKinney-Vento homeless liaison, shelter, social worker, or court.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Hawaii Rev. Stat. §577D-1; §577D-2
A licensed health care practitioner may provide primary medical care and services to a minor who consents to the primary medical care and services if the physician reasonably believes that:
(1) The minor understands the significant benefits and risks of the proposed primary medical care and services and can communicate an informed consent;
(2) The primary medical care and services are for the minor’s benefit; and
(3) The minor is at least 14 years of age and not under the care, supervision, or control of a parent, custodian, or legal guardian.
Primary medical care and services means health services that include screening, counseling, immunizations, medication, and treatment of illnesses and medical conditions customarily provided by licensed health care practitioners in an outpatient setting.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Idaho Code §39-4503
Any person who comprehends the need for, the nature of and the significant risks ordinarily inherent in any contemplated hospital, medical, dental, surgical or other health care, treatment or procedure is competent to consent thereto on his or her own behalf.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
Idaho Code §39-3801
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a minor fourteen (14) years of age or older who may have come into contact with any infectious, contagious, or communicable disease may give consent to the furnishing of hospital, medical and surgical care related to the diagnosis or treatment of such disease, if the disease or condition is one which is required by law, or regulation adopted pursuant to law, to be reported to the local health officer. Such consent shall not be subject to disaffirmance because of minority. The consent of the parent, parents, or legal guardian of such minor shall not be necessary to authorize hospital, medical and surgical care related to such disease and such parent, parents, or legal guardian shall not be liable for payment for any care rendered pursuant to this section.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Ill. Stat. §410.210/1.5
Minors can consent for primary care services if:
(1) the health care professional reasonably believes the minor understands the benefits and risks of services; and
(2) the minor is identified in writing as a “minor seeking care” by an adult relative, homeless service agency, attorney, local educational agency McKinney-Vento homeless liaison or social worker, youth-serving social service agency, or religious organization.
“Minor seeking care” must be at least 14 years old, living separate and apart from his or her parents or legal guardian, whether with or without the consent of a parent or legal guardian, who is unable or unwilling to return to the residence of a parent, and managing his or her own personal affairs.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Ind. Code §16-36-1-3
A minor may consent to the minor’s own health care if the minor is:
(i) At least 14 years of age;
(ii) Not dependent on a parent for support;
(iii) Living apart from the minor’s parents or from an individual in loco parentis; and
(iv) Managing the minor’s own affairs.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Kan. Stat. §38-123b
Any minor 16 years of age or over, where no parent or guardian is immediately available, may give consent to hospital, medical or surgical treatment or procedures.
KY-MO
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Medical, dental, and other health services may be rendered to minors of any age without the consent of a parent or legal guardian when, in the professional’s judgment, the risk to the minor’s life or health is of such a nature that treatment should be given without delay and the requirement of consent would result in delay or denial of treatment. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 214.185.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
Any physician, upon consultation by a minor as a patient, with the consent of such minor may make a diagnostic examination for venereal disease, pregnancy, or substance use disorder and may advise, prescribe for, and treat such minor regarding venereal disease, substance use disorder, contraception, pregnancy, or childbirth, all without the consent of or notification to the parent, parents, or guardian of such minor patient, or to any other person having custody of such minor patient. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 214.185
Any qualified mental health professional, as defined by KRS 202A.011, may provide outpatient mental health counseling to any child who is age sixteen or older and is an unaccompanied youth, as defined by 42 U.S.C. sec. 11434a(6), upon request of such child without the consent of a parent, parents, or guardian of such child. Any physician may provide outpatient mental health counseling to any child age sixteen or older upon request of such child without the consent of a parent, parents, or guardian of such child. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 214.185
A minor who suffers from a substance use disorder or emotional disturbance from the effects of a family member or legal guardian’s substance use disorder…may give consent to the furnishing of medical care or counseling related to the assessment or treatment of the conditions. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 222.441
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Louisiana Rev. Stat. §40:1079.1
Consent to the provision of medical or surgical care or services by a hospital or public clinic, or to the performance of medical or surgical care or services by a physician, licensed to practice medicine in this state, when executed by a minor who is or believes himself to be afflicted with an illness or disease, shall be valid and binding as if the minor had achieved his majority. Any such consent shall not be subject to a later disaffirmance by reason of his minority.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Me. Rev. Stat. §22:1503
A minor may give consent to all medical, mental, dental and other health counseling and services if the minor is living separately from parents or legal guardians and is independent of parental support. The minor may prove that status with documentation including, but not limited to a written statement from a nonprofit homeless services agency, local educational agency McKinney-Vento homeless liaison, or attorney.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Md. Code §20-102
A minor has the same capacity as an adult to consent to medical or dental treatment if the minor is living separate and apart from the minor’s parent, parents, or guardian, whether with or without consent of the minor’s parent, parents, or guardian and is self–supporting, regardless of the source of the minor’s income.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Mass. Gen. Laws §112:12F
Any minor may give consent to his medical or dental care at the time such care is sought if he is living separate and apart from his parent or legal guardian and is managing his own financial affairs
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
Mass. Gen. Laws §112:12F
Any minor may give consent to his medical or dental care at the time such care is sought if he reasonably believes himself to be suffering from or to have come in contact with any disease defined as dangerous to the public health pursuant to section six of chapter one hundred and eleven; provided, however, that such minor may only consent to care which relates to the diagnosis or treatment of such disease.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Minn. Stat. § 144.341
Any minor who is living separate and apart from parents or legal guardian, whether with or without the consent of a parent or guardian and regardless of the duration of such separate residence, and who is managing personal financial affairs, regardless of the source or extent of the minor’s income, may give effective consent to personal medical, dental, mental and other health services.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Rev. Stat. Mo. §431.056
A minor shall be qualified and competent to obtain medical and mental health care if the minor is 16 or 17 years of age, homeless or a victim of domestic violence, and self-supporting. The minor must be able to show that the minor’s parent or legal guardian has expressly or implicitly consented to the minor living independent of the parents’ or guardians’ control. To show this consent, the minor may provide a letter from a governmental or nonprofit homeless service agency, local educational agency McKinney-Vento homeless liaison, school social worker or counselor, or an attorney, among other forms of proof.
MT-OK
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Mont. Code §41-1-402
A minor who professes to be or is found to be separated from the minor’s parent, parents, or legal guardian for whatever reason and is providing self-support by whatever means may consent to the provision of health services and to control access to protected health care information.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
Mont. Code §41-1-402
(2) The consent to the provision of health services and to control access to protected health care information by a health care facility or to the performance of health services by a health professional may be given by a minor who professes or is found to meet any of the following descriptions:
(c) a minor who professes or is found to be pregnant or afflicted with any reportable communicable disease, including a sexually transmitted disease, or drug and substance abuse, including alcohol. This self-consent applies only to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of those conditions specified in this subsection.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Nev. Rev. Stat. §129.030
A minor may give consent to physical, behavioral, dental or mental health services for himself or herself or for his or her child, if the minor is married or has been married; is a parent or has borne a child; is, in the judgment of a provider of health care, in danger of suffering a serious health hazard if health care services are not provided; or demonstrates that he or she is living apart from his or her parents or legal guardian.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
N.M. Stat. §24-7A-6.2
An unemancipated minor 14 years of age or older who has capacity to consent may give consent for medically necessary health care if the minor is living apart from the minor’s parents or legal guardian, or a parent.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Pub Health Law §2504
Homeless youth may give effective consent for medical, dental, health and hospital services, including behavioral health services, for themself, and the consent of no other person shall be necessary.
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
N.C.G.S.A. §90-21.5
(a) Subject to subsection (a1) of this section, any minor may give effective consent to a physician licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina for medical health services for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of (i) venereal disease and other diseases reportable under G.S. 130A–135, (ii) pregnancy, (iii) abuse of controlled substances or alcohol, and (iv) emotional disturbance. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a health care provider shall obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian prior to administering any vaccine that has been granted emergency use authorization and is not yet fully approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to an individual under 18 years of age.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
N.D.C.C. § 14-10-20
An unaccompanied homeless minor 14 years of age or older may consent to, contract for, and receive medical, dental, or behavioral health examinations, care, or treatment without permission, authority, or consent of a parent or guardian. Acceptable documentation demonstrating an individual is an unaccompanied homeless minor includes a statement documenting such status signed by:
A director or designee of a governmental or nonprofit entity that receives public or private funding to provide services to individuals who are homeless;
A local educational agency McKinney-Vento homeless liaison, foster care point of contact, school social worker or counselor;
An attorney representing the youth; or
The youth and two adults with knowledge of the youth’s actual circumstances.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Okl. Stat. §63-2602
Any minor who is separated from his parents or legal guardian for whatever reason and is not supported by his parents or guardian may consent to have services provided by health professionals.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
Okl. Stat. §63-2602
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the following minors may consent to have services provided by health professionals in the following cases:
3. Any minor who is or has been pregnant, afflicted with any reportable communicable disease, drug and substance abuse or abusive use of alcohol; provided, however, that such self-consent only applies to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of those conditions specified in this section.
OR-VA
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Or. Rev. Stat. §109.640
A minor 15 years of age or older may give consent to hospital care, medical or surgical diagnosis or treatment by a physician, dentist, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner without the consent of a parent or guardian of the minor.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
Or. Ad. Code 333-003-5000 (05/27/21 – 11/22/21)
(1) A healthcare provider administering COVID-19 vaccinations may not require parental or guardian consent for a minor age 15-17 who is exercising their right to consent to treatment under ORS 109.640.
(2) A COVID-19 vaccine administration site may not require a healthcare provider to require parental or guardian consent for a minor age 15-17 who is exercising their right to consent to treatment under ORS 109.640.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Penn. Stat. §35-10104
Medical, dental and health services may be rendered to minors of any age without the consent of a parent or legal guardian when, in the physician’s judgment, an attempt to secure consent would result in delay of treatment which would increase the risk to the minor’s life or health.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
Pa. Code §27.97
A person under 21 years of age may give consent for medical and other health services to determine the presence of or to treat a sexually transmitted disease and any other reportable disease, infection or condition. If the minor consents to undergo diagnosis or treatment, approval or consent of another person is not necessary.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
R.I. Gen. Laws §23-4.6-1
Any person age of 16 or over or married may consent to routine, emergency, medical, or surgical care.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
R.I. Gen Laws §23-8-1.1
Persons under eighteen (18) years of age may give legal consent for testing, examination, and/or treatment for any reportable communicable disease.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
S.C. Code §63-5-350
Health services of any kind may be rendered to minors of any age without the consent of a parent or legal guardian when, in the judgment of a person authorized by law to render a particular health service, such services are deemed necessary unless such involves an operation which shall be performed only if such is essential to the health or life of such child in the opinion of the performing physician and a consultant physician if one is available.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Tex. Fam. Code §32.003
A child may consent to medical, dental, psychological, and surgical treatment for the child by a licensed physician or dentist if the child is 16 years of age or older and resides separate and apart from the child’s parents, managing conservator, or guardian, with or without the consent of the parents, managing conservator, or guardian and regardless of the duration of the residence, and is managing the child’s own financial affairs, regardless of the source of the income.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
Tex. Fam. Code §32.003
(a) A child may consent to medical, dental, psychological, and surgical treatment for the child by a licensed physician or dentist if the child:
(3) consents to the diagnosis and treatment of an infectious, contagious, or communicable disease that is required by law or a rule to be reported by the licensed physician or dentist to a local health officer or the Texas Department of Health, including all diseases within the scope of Section 81.041, Health and Safety Code.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Utah Code §78B-3-406(6)(k)
An unaccompanied homeless minor who is 15 years of age or older may consent to any health care not prohibited by law.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
Virginia Code §54.1-2969
E. A minor shall be deemed an adult for the purpose of consenting to:
- Medical or health services needed to determine the presence of or to treat venereal disease or any infectious or contagious disease that the State Board of Health requires to be reported.
- Medical or health services required in case of birth control, pregnancy or family planning except for the purposes of sexual sterilization;
- Medical or health services needed in the case of outpatient care, treatment or rehabilitation for substance abuse as defined in § 37.2-100; or
- Medical or health services needed in the case of outpatient care, treatment or rehabilitation for mental illness or emotional disturbance.
G. A pregnant minor shall be deemed an adult for the sole purpose of giving consent for herself and her child to surgical and medical treatment relating to the delivery of her child when such surgical or medical treatment is provided during the delivery of the child or the duration of the hospital admission for such delivery; thereafter, the minor mother of such child shall also be deemed an adult for the purpose of giving consent to surgical and medical treatment for her child.
WA-WY
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Rev. Code Wa. §7.70.065
Informed consent for health care for a minor may be obtained from a school nurse, school counselor, or homeless student liaison when:
(A) Consent is necessary for nonemergency, outpatient, primary care services, including physical examinations, vision examinations and eyeglasses, dental examinations, hearing examinations and hearing aids, immunizations, treatments for illnesses and conditions, and routine follow-up care customarily provided by a health care provider in an outpatient setting, excluding elective surgeries;
(B) The minor meets the definition of a “homeless child or youth”; and
(C) The minor is not under the supervision or control of a parent, custodian, or legal guardian, and is not in the care and custody of the department of social and health services.
ROUTINE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Wyo. Stat. §14-1-101
A minor may consent to health care treatment to the same extent as if he were an adult when the minor is living apart from his parents or guardian and is managing his own affairs regardless of his source of income.
Mental Health & Substance Use Treatment Consent Rules
Across many states, minors have unique rights when accessing mental health counseling, therapy, or substance use treatment. These protections are particularly important for unaccompanied youth who lack safe parental support.
States that explicitly allow minors to consent to outpatient therapy or counseling (mental/behavioral health) without a parent include:
- Alabama — Minors 16+, or minors who are high-school graduates, married, divorced, have borne a child, are pregnant, or are living apart and not dependent on parents or guardians, may consent to health and mental health services for themselves. No school counselor or health care provider may be precluded from providing mental health services due to: 1. An imminent threat to the health of the student or others; 2. Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation; or 3. When there is an immediate necessity for immediate grief counseling.
- Florida — Unaccompanied homeless youth 16+ may consent to psychological (and substance abuse) treatment.
- Hawaii – Minors 14 years+ who are not under the care, supervision or control of a parent, custodian, or legal guardian can consent to primary medical care and services including screening and counseling.
- Kentucky – Unaccompanied youth 16+ can consent to mental health counseling.
- Maine — Minors living separately and independent of parental support may consent to mental and other health counseling and services.
- Minnesota — Minors living separate and managing personal financial affairs may consent to mental and other health services.
- Nevada – A minor may give consent to mental health services if the minor is married or has been married; is a parent or has borne a child; is in danger of suffering a serious health hazard if health care services are not provided; or demonstrates that he or she is living apart from his or her parents or legal guardian.
- New York — Homeless youth may consent to behavioral health services.
- North Carolina — Any minor may consent for treatment of emotional disturbance.
- North Dakota — Unaccompanied homeless minors 14+ may consent to behavioral health care.
- Texas — 16+, living apart and managing their own finances, may consent to psychological treatment.
- Virginia — Minor is deemed an adult for outpatient mental health treatment.
States that permit minors to access inpatient behavioral health treatment under specific circumstances include:
- Arizona — Emancipated/married/homeless minors may consent to hospital care.
- Colorado — 14+, living apart and managing finances, may consent to hospital care.
- Kansas — 16+ may consent to hospital/medical/surgical care when no parent or guardian is immediately available.
- New York — Homeless youth may consent to hospital services, including behavioral health.
- Oregon — 15+ may consent to hospital care.
- Pennsylvania — Any age: treatment may proceed without parental consent if seeking consent would delay care and increase risk to life or health.
- South Carolina — Any age: health services without parental consent when necessary; operations only if essential (with consulting physician if available).
- Delaware — 12+ (or temporary custodian) for trauma/conditions threatening health or life after reasonable efforts to contact parent.
- Rhode Island — 16+ (or married) may consent to routine, emergency, medical or surgical care.
States with laws explicitly giving minors the right to seek treatment for alcohol or drug use include:
- Florida — unaccompanied homeless youth 16+; substance abuse.
- Montana — drug and substance abuse, including alcohol.
- North Carolina — abuse of controlled substances or alcohol.
- Oklahoma — drug/substance abuse; abusive use of alcohol.
- Virginia — outpatient substance abuse.
Inpatient admissions, however, may still require parental involvement.
These rules are critical for homeless youth on their own, who often cannot involve parents when seeking mental health or addiction support. Some states, however, require parental notification or consent for therapy.
Rights of Unaccompanied and Homeless Youth
More than 4.2 million youth experience homelessness annually in the U.S., and access to healthcare is one of their greatest challenges.
Many of the states covered in this resource have explicit protections, with many including statutory language like “unaccompanied minor,” “living apart,” or “managing own financial affairs.”
These states’ laws recognize that homeless and runaway youth often lack parental involvement and still need access to:
- Primary and urgent care
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- STI and HIV testing
- Vaccinations and preventive screenings
States with explicit protections for unaccompanied & homeless youth (UHY) to access healthcare on their own include:
- Arizona – “homeless minor”
- Florida – “unaccompanied homeless youth 16+”
- Missouri – “16 or 17 … homeless or a victim of domestic violence, and self-supporting”
- New York – “homeless youth”
- North Dakota – “unaccompanied homeless minor 14+”
- Utah – “unaccompanied homeless minor 15+”
States with explicit protections for unaccompanied & homeless youth (UHY) to access healthcare via a designated adult include:
- Arkansas — Local educational agency McKinney-Vento homeless liaison may consent for unaccompanied homeless youth.
- Washington — School nurse/counselor/homeless student liaison may consent for a homeless child or youth to receive nonemergency outpatient primary care.
Many additional states use “living apart,” “self-supporting,” “managing own finances,” etc., to enable self-consent. These states include:
- Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii (see also), Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Wyoming.
Infectious Disease & STI Testing Consent Laws
States that allow minors to consent independently to testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other reportable infectious diseases include:
- Alabama, California, Delaware, Idaho, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia.
These protections are critical for homeless youth who may not be able to involve parents in sensitive health decisions.
Mature Minor Doctrine vs. Statutory Consent
In addition to statutory rights, some states recognize the “mature minor doctrine” — a legal principle allowing providers to treat minors deemed mature enough to understand the implications of medical care.
However, most providers don’t apply this in practice, and statutory protections are far more reliable for homeless or unaccompanied youth.
This guide focuses on statutory consent rights, but in states without explicit protections, the mature minor doctrine may be one of the only options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the state and the type of medical service. In some states, minors as young as 12 can consent to certain types of care, such as mental health counseling, STI testing, or substance use treatment.
States with laws that explicitly permit minors 12+ years old to independently consent to certain care include:
- California: 12+ may consent for care related to infectious, contagious, or communicable diseases (including STIs).
- Delaware: Minors 12+ are permitted to consent to STD examination or treatment.
Additionally:
- North Carolina — Any minor (no age floor, so includes age 12) may consent for venereal/reportable diseases, pregnancy, abuse of controlled substances or alcohol, and emotional disturbance. N.C.G.S.A. §90-21.5(a).
- Alabama — Any minor may consent to services to determine or treat sexually transmitted infections, drug dependency, or alcohol toxicity; to determine the presence of any reportable disease; and to prevent or determine pregnancy. (Ala. Code §22-8-6.)
- Massachusetts — Any minor (includes age 12) may consent for conditions “dangerous to the public health” (diagnosis/treatment only). Mass. Gen. Laws §112:12F.
- Montana — Any minor (includes 12) may self-consent for reportable communicable disease or drug/substance abuse incl. alcohol (limited to those conditions). Mont. Code §41-1-402(2)(c).
- Oklahoma — Any minor (includes 12) may self-consent for reportable communicable disease or drug/substance abuse/alcohol misuse (limited to those conditions). Okl. Stat. §63-2602(A)(3).
- Pennsylvania — Under 21 (includes 12) may consent for STIs and other reportable diseases. Pa. Code §27.97.
- Rhode Island — Under 18 (includes 12) may consent for reportable communicable diseases. R.I. Gen. Laws §23-8-1.1.
- Virginia — Minor deemed adult for venereal or infectious/contagious reportable diseases; no age floor (includes 12). Va. Code §54.1-2969(E)(1).
- District of Columbia — 11+ may self-consent to vaccines recommended by ACIP. Law L23-0193. (This includes 12-year-olds, but it’s vaccines only.)
- Idaho — 14+ for communicable/reportable diseases. Idaho Code §39-3801.
States with laws that explicitly permit minors 14- or 15+ years old, who are living apart or managing their own finances, to consent to general healthcare include:
- California — 15+, living separately and managing own finances. Cal. Fam. Code §6922.
- Colorado — 14+, living apart and managing finances. Colo. Rev. Stat. §13-22-103.
- Hawaii — 14+, not under care/supervision/control of a parent/custodian/guardian (primary care). Haw. Rev. Stat. §§577D-1; 577D-2.
- Illinois — 14+, living separately, unable/unwilling to return, managing personal affairs (for primary care) with written identification as a “minor seeking care.” Ill. Stat. §410.210/1.5.
- Indiana — 14+, not dependent, living apart, managing own affairs. Ind. Code §16-36-1-3.
- Maine — Living separately and independent of parental support. Me. Rev. Stat. §22:1503.
- Maryland — Living separately and self-supporting. Md. Code §20-102.
- Massachusetts — Living separately and managing finances. Mass. Gen. Laws §112:12F.
- Minnesota — Living separately and managing finances. Minn. Stat. §144.341.
- Montana — Separated and providing self-support. Mont. Code §41-1-402(1).
- Nevada — Living apart ≥ 4 months. Nev. Rev. Stat. §129.030.
- New Mexico — 14+, living apart; medically necessary care. N.M. Stat. §24-7A-6.2.
- North Dakota — 14+ unaccompanied homeless minors. SB 2265 (2021).
- Oklahoma — Separated and not supported by a parent or guardian. Okl. Stat. §63-2602(A)(1).
- Oregon — 15+ may consent to hospital/medical/surgical diagnosis/treatment. Or. Rev. Stat. §109.640.
- Utah — 15+, unaccompanied homeless minors may consent to any health care not prohibited by law. Utah Code §78B-3-406(6)(k)
- Wyoming — Living apart and managing own affairs. Wyo. Stat. §14-1-101.
States with 16+ threshold (some tie to living apart and/or self-supporting) include:
- Florida — 16+ unaccompanied homeless youth. Fla. Stat. §743.067.
- Kansas — 16+ when no parent or guardian is immediately available. Kan. Stat. §38-123b.
- Missouri — 16–17, homeless or a victim of domestic violence, and self-supporting (with proof of parental consent to live independently). Rev. Stat. Mo. §431.056.
- Texas — 16+, living apart and managing finances. Tex. Fam. Code §32.003.
- Rhode Island — 16+ (or married) for routine emergency care. R.I. Gen. Laws §23-4.6-1.
Our state-by-state chart lists 36 states and D.C. with laws granting these rights, particularly for minors who are living on their own, including unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness.
States with statutes allowing some minors to consent to general medical care (under conditions such as living apart, being financially independent, or being unaccompanied/homeless) include:
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, HI, ID, IL, IN, KS, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NV, NM, NY, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, WA, WY.
See the full chart above for state-specific statutes. If a state does not appear on the chart above, it likely means no statute was found allowing minors living on their own to access care without parental involvement.
Minors who are living on their own, including those who are unaccompanied or homeless, may have the right to consent to:
General routine/primary care – covered by the statutes listed in the table above.
Mental health services – states include:
- Alabama (§22-8-4) – includes mental health treatment for 16+ living apart
- Maine (§22:1503) – includes mental health services
- Minnesota (§144.341) – includes mental health services
- New York (§2504) – behavioral health services for homeless youth
- Texas (§32.003) – psychological treatment for 16+ living apart/managing finances
- Florida (§743.067) – psychological care for UH youth 16+
- North Dakota (§ 14-10-20) – behavioral health for UHY 14+
- Hawaii (§§577D-1; 577D-2) – counseling for 14+
- Kentucky (§ 214.185) – outpatient mental health counseling for 16+
- Nevada (§129.030) – includes mental health services if living apart
- Virginia (§54.1-2969) – includes health services for outpatient care, treatment or rehabilitation for mental illness or emotional disturbance
Substance use treatment / alcohol or drug care – states include:
- Alabama — drug dependency; alcohol toxicity.
- Florida (§743.067 – UH youth 16+ may consent to substance abuse care).
- Oklahoma (§63-2602(A)(1) & (A)(3) – separated/not supported minors may consent to services; statute also explicitly allows any minor to consent for drug/substance abuse/alcohol misuse).
- Montana (§41-1-402(1) & (2)(c) – separated/self-supporting minors may consent to health services; statute also explicitly allows any minor to consent for drug/substance abuse, incl. alcohol for that condition).
- North Carolina — abuse of controlled substances or alcohol.
- Virginia — outpatient substance abuse.
Inpatient admissions, however, may still require parental involvement.
STI/communicable disease testing & treatment – states include:
Alabama, California, Delaware, Idaho, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia.
See the full chart above for state-specific statutes. Note that these rights do vary by state, and not all jurisdictions grant these permissions.
In many states, laws specifically allow unaccompanied minors — including youth experiencing homelessness — to consent to medically necessary treatment without requiring parental involvement. These protections recognize that unaccompanied youth often face significant barriers to care and provide pathways to services like primary healthcare, counseling, and preventive screenings.
States that have explicit protections for unaccompanied & homeless youth (UHY) to access healthcare on their own include:
- Arizona – “homeless minor”
- Florida – “unaccompanied homeless youth 16+”
- Missouri – “16 or 17 … homeless or a victim of domestic violence, and self-supporting”
- New York – “homeless youth”
- North Dakota – “unaccompanied homeless minor 14+”
- Utah – “unaccompanied homeless minor 15+”
States with explicit protections for unaccompanied & homeless youth (UHY) to access healthcare via a designated adult include:
- Arkansas — Local educational agency McKinney-Vento homeless liaison may consent for unaccompanied homeless youth.
- Washington — School nurse/counselor/homeless student liaison may consent for a homeless child or youth to receive nonemergency outpatient primary care.
Many additional states use “living apart,” “self-supporting/managing own finances,” etc., to enable self-consent. These states include:
- Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii (see also), Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Wyoming.
This guide provides a comprehensive, state-by-state breakdown of minor medical consent laws, highlighting where minors living on their own — including unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness — have the legal authority to make decisions about their general, medically necessary healthcare.
In many states (such as the ones listed in the table above) – yes. A 16- or 17-year-old may be able to visit a doctor or urgent care independently if they are:
- Living separately from their parents
- Managing their own financial affairs
- Seeking care for services like mental health counseling, STI treatment, or substance use
States with statutes that allow a 16- or 17-year-old to visit a doctor or urgent care alone, noting clear age-based triggers and/or explicit 16/17 provisions include:
- Florida — UH youth 16+. §743.067.
- Kansas — 16+ if no parent or guardian is immediately available. §38-123b.
- Missouri — 16–17 if homeless, homeless or a victim of domestic violence, and self-supporting (with proof). §431.056.
- Oregon — 15+ (so 16–17 included) for hospital/medical/surgical care. §109.640.
- Rhode Island — 16+ (or married) for routine emergency care. §23-4.6-1.
- Texas — 16+ if living apart & managing finances. §32.003.
Many states listed in FAQ #1 have lower/no age floors when living apart/self-supporting; a 16- or 17-year-old meeting those criteria can self-consent.
However, in states without such statutes, providers may require parental consent.
Yes. An emancipated minor — legally recognized as independent — generally has the same medical consent rights as an adult, including access to routine care, reproductive services, mental health treatment, and preventive screenings.
Since emancipation laws vary, minors should review state-specific rules for eligibility. See the full chart above for state-specific statutes.
Our comprehensive state-by-state chart covers 36 states and D.C. and includes:
- Statutory references
- Age thresholds for independent consent
- Laws governing general healthcare, mental health, substance use, STI care, and infectious diseases
This resource is updated regularly as state legislatures pass new laws.
Yes, but it depends on the state. Across many states, minors have unique rights when accessing mental health counseling, therapy, or substance use treatment. These protections are particularly important for unaccompanied youth who lack safe parental support.
States that explicitly allow minors to consent to outpatient therapy or counseling (mental/behavioral health) without a parent include:
- Alabama — Minors 16+, or minors who are high-school graduates, married, divorced, have borne a child, are pregnant, or are living apart and not dependent on parents or guardians, may consent to medical, dental, health, and mental-health services for themselves.
- Florida — Unaccompanied homeless youth 16+ may consent to psychological (and substance abuse) treatment.
- Hawaii – Minors 14 years+ who are not under the care, supervision or control of a parent, custodian, or legal guardian can consent to primary medical care and services including screening and counseling.
- Kentucky – Unaccompanied youth 16+ can consent to mental health counseling.
- Maine — Minor living separately and independent of parental support may consent to medical, mental, dental and other health counseling and services.
- Minnesota — Minor living separate and managing personal financial affairs may consent to mental and other health services.
- Nevada – A minor may give consent to physical, behavioral, dental or mental health services if the minor is married or has been married; is a parent or has borne a child; is in danger of suffering a serious health hazard if health care services are not provided; or demonstrates that he or she is living apart from his or her parents or legal guardian.
- New York — Homeless youth may consent to behavioral health services.
- North Carolina — Any minor may consent for treatment of emotional disturbance.
- North Dakota — Unaccompanied homeless minors 14+ may consent to behavioral health care.
- Texas — 16+, living apart and managing their own finances, may consent to psychological treatment.
- Virginia — Minor is deemed an adult for outpatient mental health treatment.
Some states, however, require parental notification or consent for therapy.
Several states give minors the right to seek treatment for alcohol or drug use. In most cases, when you consent to your own treatment, your provider cannot share your treatment information without your consent.
States with laws explicitly giving minors the right to seek treatment for alcohol or drug use include:
- Alabama — any minor may consent to treatment for drug dependency or alcohol toxicity.
- Florida — unaccompanied homeless youth 16+; substance abuse.
- Montana — drug and substance abuse, including alcohol.
- North Carolina — abuse of controlled substances or alcohol.
- Oklahoma — drug/substance abuse; abusive use of alcohol.
- Virginia — outpatient substance abuse.
Inpatient admissions, however, may still require parental involvement.
This guide provides a comprehensive, state-by-state breakdown of minor medical consent laws, highlighting where minors living on their own — including unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness — have the legal authority to make decisions about their general, medically necessary healthcare.
Yes, but inpatient consent is less common. States like Oregon and North Carolina allow minors to authorize both outpatient counseling and, under certain conditions, inpatient evaluations.
New York statute also notes homeless youth may consent to hospital services including behavioral health (covers inpatient), and thus can also receive outpatient behavioral health. Pub. Health Law §2504.
- While other states in this resource clearly authorize outpatient mental health; only New York’s text explicitly pairs hospital authority with behavioral health.
Most states limit independent consent to outpatient services.
This guide provides a comprehensive, state-by-state breakdown of minor medical consent laws, highlighting where minors living on their own — including unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness — have the legal authority to make decisions about their general, medically necessary healthcare.
In states where minors can legally consent to their own treatment, providers are typically prohibited from disclosing records to parents without the minor’s consent, unless:
- The minor requests disclosure
- There is an imminent safety concern
- State law explicitly permits or requires parental notification
Where our chart cites disease-specific or service-specific minor-consent statutes, those statutes commonly restrict disclosure to parents without the minor’s consent.
Yes. States that allow minors to consent independently to testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other reportable infectious diseases include:
Alabama, California, Delaware, Idaho, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia.
These protections are critical for homeless youth who may not be able to involve parents in sensitive health decisions.
In many states, no. Minors in places like Idaho, Delaware, and Texas can request HIV testing and treatment confidentially. In others, there may be age-based thresholds or provider discretion rules.
States in our chart that authorize minors to consent to testing/treatment for communicable or reportable diseases (covering HIV in practice when defined as such) include: AL, CA, DE, ID, MA, MT, NC, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, VA.
See the full chart above for state-specific statutes.
Several states — including AL, CA, DE, ID, MA, MT, NC, OK, PA, RI, TX, VA — allow minors to consent to testing and treatment for infectious or reportable diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, and other communicable conditions without requiring parental consent.
See the full chart above for state-specific statutes.
Yes. Many states fund community health centers, school-based clinics, and homeless youth programs that provide confidential healthcare services. These may include:
- Routine checkups
- Vaccinations
- Mental health counseling
- STI testing and treatment
In many states, yes. Minors who are living separately or experiencing homelessness may independently consent to preventive healthcare, including immunizations, screenings, and wellness visits. These provisions typically cover routine and preventive services unless state statutes limit this scope.
See the full chart above for state-specific statutes.
This depends on both state law and HIPAA. Generally: If a minor can legally consent to care, their records are protected.
In other cases, parents may still have the right to review medical information unless the provider determines that releasing it would be harmful to the patient.
HIPAA follows state laws on minor consent. If a state allows a minor to consent to their own treatment, HIPAA generally prevents providers from sharing information with parents unless the minor authorizes it or a legal exception applies.
Not necessarily. If a state grants minors the right to consent independently, most providers cannot notify parents without the patient’s permission — unless required by law or if safety concerns arise.
Because legislatures frequently update laws — especially around reproductive healthcare and mental health services — our state-by-state chart is regularly updated to reflect the most current policies.
If you’re unsure of the rules in your state:
- Start with the state-by-state chart above/below for details on the minor consent laws of these states.
- Visit your state health department website for updated guidance.
- Contact local community health clinics and school-based health centers, which often have confidential care options.
Minors may be able to pay for care through public coverage, private insurance, or free and low-cost clinics.
Many minors qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, which may cover services they can legally consent to. They may also be covered under a parent or guardian’s private insurance, though this can raise confidentiality concerns due to billing notices.
If they are uninsured or want confidential care, community health centers, school-based clinics, and youth programs often provide services at low or no cost.
Because payment and confidentiality rules vary, they should ask providers about confidential or low-cost options before receiving care.
How to Find State-Specific Healthcare Access Resources
If you’re unsure of the rules in your state:
- Start with the state-by-state chart above for details on the minor consent laws of these states.
- Visit your state health department website for updated guidance.
- Contact local community health clinics and school-based health centers, which often have confidential care options