All of the following adolescents are in the emergency room for treatment. Which adolescent would be an emancipated minor?

Question

1. The 15-year-old adolescent who disagrees with the parents in regard to the medical plan of care
2. The 14-year-old adolescent who understands the risks and benefits of treatment
3. The 17-year-old adolescent who is self-supporting and maintains her own apartment
4. The 16-year-old adolescent who ran away from home and is living with a friend

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: Emancipated minors are not designated only when the parents and child have a disagreement but when the minor becomes solely responsible for all aspects of her life.
Rationale 2: Emancipated minors have more knowledge than just understanding. They are solely responsible for themselves and can give informed consent.
Rationale 3: Emancipated minors are economically self-supporting adolescents under 18 years of age, no longer living at home, and not subject to parental control. They can legally give informed consent for themselves.
Rationale 4: Emancipated minors are not declared as such only when there is a conflict of interest between the child and parents. Emancipated minors have sole responsibility for all aspects of their life.
Global Rationale: