California · Child Medical Consent
California Child Medical Consent Form
California parents in shared custody arrangements or those who travel frequently need a child medical consent form authorizing another adult (the co-parent, a grandparent, or a caregiver) to consent to emergency medical treatment. California emergency rooms must provide care to minors in life-threatening situations regardless of consent, but non-emergency care requires parental authorization. A notarized child medical consent form documents clear authorization and reduces delays in obtaining treatment.
California allows minors aged 12+ to consent to certain medical treatments themselves, but for emergency care involving younger children, a signed medical consent form from both parents is the safest protection when one parent isn't present.
Governing law
Cal. Fam. Code Section 6910-6929 (minor consent) + Cal. Health & Saf. Code Section 1798.185
Start Your California Medical Consent
Cites Cal. Fam. Code Section 6910-6929 (minor consent) + Cal. Health & Saf. Code Section 1798.185. Formatted for USPS Certified Mail. Instant PDF.
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California Child Medical Consent FAQs
When does my California child need a medical consent form?▾
Any time your child will be in the care of another adult for an extended period, including: extended visits with grandparents, camp or travel with a non-parent guardian, or when one parent frequently travels for work and the other parent needs clear emergency authority. Emergency rooms will treat life-threatening conditions without parental consent, but having documentation speeds up elective and urgent care.
Can a California caregiver consent to emergency surgery without parents?▾
For emergencies, California Health & Saf. Code Section 1799.110 allows treatment without parental consent when there is an emergency and parents cannot be reached. A medical consent form naming the caregiver and documenting parental authorization allows healthcare providers to proceed more confidently with non-life-threatening urgent care as well.
Does a California child medical consent form need to be notarized?▾
Not legally required for most purposes, but notarization makes the form more likely to be accepted by healthcare providers without question, particularly for specialized treatments or surgical procedures. Many pediatric facilities in California recommend notarized forms for non-parent caregivers.
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