Which statement about consent for minors in chiropractic care is NOT true?

Which statement about consent for minors in chiropractic care is NOT true?

• A. Parental/guardian consent is required; assess assent from the minor; document both and tailor communication to age.
• B. Assent from the minor alone is sufficient; parental consent is not required.
• C. Documentation of consent and assent is required and filed in the patient record.
• D. Consent from the parent or guardian must be obtained before care begins.

Answer: (B)

Consent for minors requires both parental authorization and consideration of the minor’s willingness. In chiropractic care, a parent or guardian must give consent before treatment starts, and the clinician should seek the minor’s assent when appropriate, documenting both consent and assent in the patient record and tailoring communication to the child’s age and understanding. Assent reflects the minor’s cooperation and comfort with the plan, but it does not replace the legal requirement for parental consent. Therefore, the statement that assent from the minor alone is sufficient and parental consent is not required is not true.

Consent for minors requires both parental authorization and consideration of the minor’s willingness. In chiropractic care, a parent or guardian must give consent before treatment starts, and the clinician should seek the minor’s assent when appropriate, documenting both consent and assent in the patient record and tailoring communication to the child’s age and understanding. Assent reflects the minor’s cooperation and comfort with the plan, but it does not replace the legal requirement for parental consent. Therefore, the statement that assent from the minor alone is sufficient and parental consent is not required is not true.