Free Child Medical Consent

Child Medical Consent FAQs

What is child medical consent?

A child medical consent form is a document that parents/legal guardians can use to authorize another adult to make medical decisions for a minor child.  Accidents and emergencies involving children are very common so it is prudent to plan for them by having a medical consent form for your child.  A child medical consent form can prevent delays in medical treatments in cases of emergency when doctors and other healthcare providers cannot reach you, for example, your child having allergic reaction while staying at summer camp, or suffering from injuries at a sporting tournament.

When should you use a child medical consent?

If your child will be away from the parents/guardians for extended period of time, you should use a child medical consent to authorize another supervising adult to grant medical consent on your behalf.  For example, you may be away for an extended period for work or travel or when the child will be traveling or staying with a supervising adult in your absence.

Who can be the temporary guardian that makes medical decision for your child?

Any adult who is at least 18 years old can be the temporary guardian.  The individual you pick should be someone responsible, and respects your beliefs and wishes relating to medical treatments.  For example, a temporary guardian that will be making medical decisions for your child could be:

• A grandparent
• An aunt or uncle
• A close family friend
• A teacher
• A babysitter

What should you include in the child medical consent?

The child medical consent should cover the following:

1. The parent’s full name and contact information including full address and phone number.
2. The child’s full name and health information including the child’s allergies, special needs, medication and illness history, and health insurance if applicable.
3. The temporary guardian’s full name and phone number.
4. The specific medical treatments the temporary guardian will be allowed to grant consent for your child.  For example, blood transfusion or vaccine use.
5. The full name and contact information of your child’s doctor, especially if the doctor is a specialist treating your child’s special medical conditions.
6. A start date and end date to limit the duration of the power that’s granted for the temporary guardian. If you do not know how long you will be away from your child, you may leave out the end date then the child medical consent will be valid until you revoke it at a future date.

When should you use a child medical consent and a child travel consent?

A child travel consent only grants the permission to your child to travel alone or with a designated adult without the parents or legal guardians.  A child medical consent authorizes an adult that is not the parent or legal guardian to make medical decisions for your child.  They are often used together but they are different consent forms and cannot be substituted with each other.  It would be prudent to have both documents completed and notarized before your child travels in your absence.

Can I revoke a child medical consent after it has been given?

Yes. You can cancel or revoke the consent at any time by providing written notice to the temporary guardian and, if possible, to any healthcare providers who may have received a copy of the consent form. It is important to keep a record of the revocation to avoid confusion in an emergency situation.

Does a child medical consent need to be notarized?

While notarization is not always legally required, it is highly recommended. A notarized form helps confirm the authenticity of the signature and can make it more readily accepted by healthcare providers, schools, and other institutions.

How long is a child medical consent valid?

The validity of the consent depends on the dates specified in the form. You can set a specific start and end date, or allow it to remain in effect until you revoke it. It’s best to choose a timeframe that matches your child’s planned activities or travel schedule.

Can more than one temporary guardian be named in the form?

Yes. You can name multiple adults who are authorized to make medical decisions for your child. This is often helpful if the child will be in the care of different people at different times, but be sure to clearly outline whether each guardian has equal authority or if certain decisions require a specific person.

Is a child medical consent valid in another state or country?

Generally, a properly executed child medical consent will be recognized in other states, but the rules can vary. If your child will be traveling internationally, it is best to check the destination country’s requirements, as some may require additional documentation or translations.

What jurisdictions can use our child medical consent form?

You can use our template to create a legal and valid child medical consent form for the following jurisdictions: