A 16-year-old male was treated at your facility for a closed head injury. The patient's 18- year-old wife accompanied him to the hospital and signed the consent for admission and treatment because of the patient's incapacity at the time. The patient has requested that copies of his medical records be sent to his attorney. Who should sign the authorization to release the records?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the patient is 16 years old, he is considered a minor and therefore unable to legally sign the authorization for release of medical records. However, the patient's wife signed the consent for admission and treatment, which suggests that the couple may be legally married. In some states, minors who are legally married are considered emancipated and able to make their own medical decisions. Therefore, the patient himself should sign the authorization for release of medical records.

A 16-Year-Old Male Was Treated at Your Facility for a Closed