Who is considered an emancipated minor?

• A. For the purpose of medical decisions, an emancipated minor is a person under 18 who is married, widowed or divorced; the parent of a child; a member of the armed forces; pregnant or believes herself pregnant; living separate and apart from a parent/guardian and managing their own financial affairs
• B. Any minor under 18
• C. A minor who signs a consent form
• D. A minor who is enrolled in college

Answer: (A)

Emancipation means a minor is legally treated as an adult for making medical decisions. A person under 18 is considered emancipated if they meet certain life circumstances that show independence and responsibility: they are married, widowed or divorced; they are the parent of a child; they are a member of the armed forces; they are pregnant or believe they are pregnant; or they are living apart from a parent or guardian and managing their own finances. These conditions reflect the minor’s ability to handle their own health care decisions, so they can consent to treatment without a parent or guardian. Merely being under 18, signing a consent form, or being enrolled in college does not by itself establish emancipation, so those situations do not automatically grant medical decision-making authority. In practice, EMS should determine if the patient meets emancipation criteria to know who may consent for care. If not emancipated, involve a parent or guardian or follow proper local guidelines for consent.