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Consent To Medical Treatment By Minors In Massachusetts: A Guide For Practitioners, Francine Sherman

Francine T. Sherman

This guide is designed for healthcare providers, social service agency employees, and other practitioners who connect young people with the medical care they need. While the age of consent for all medical treatment in Massachusetts is generally 18, those younger than 18 may consent to a wide range of services—even without parental authorization—depending on the circumstances. This guide also highlights the special consent issues that may arise for youth who are involved with the Department of Social Services and / or the Department of Youth Services. While these issues may seem complicated at first glance, the governing laws and regulations …