How should you document informed consent for treatment with a minor?

• A. Record guardian consent and minor assent, outline information provided, risks/benefits, alternatives, time/date, and any refusals or limitations of treatment.
• B. Only record parent's consent
• C. Consent is not required for minors
• D. Document only signed forms

Answer: (B)

Informed consent for a minor involves both the guardian’s permission and the minor’s assent when the child can understand. Documenting this process clearly protects the patient and supports good care. The record should show what was explained about the treatment, including the risks and benefits, reasonable alternatives, and what might happen if the treatment is pursued or declined. It should include the date and time of the discussion, who was present, and evidence that guardian consent was given along with the minor’s assent or acknowledgment of the plan. If the minor refuses or there are limits to the treatment, those details belong in the record as well. Simply recording a parent’s signature isn’t enough, because it can miss the minor’s input and the substantive information discussed. In emergencies, consent can be implied, and if the minor cannot compreensão, a surrogate decision-maker may be involved, but standard practice is to document both guardian consent and minor assent whenever feasible.