If a patient is at least 12 years old, what types of medical treatment can they consent to without parental approval?

In many jurisdictions, individuals aged 12 and older are legally permitted to consent to medical treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. This is primarily due to the recognition that adolescents struggling with substance abuse issues may be more likely to seek help if they are assured confidentiality and do not require parental consent. This autonomy supports their ability to engage in treatment without barriers that might arise from family dynamics or fear of parental knowledge.

The other options involve treatments that generally require parental consent. For instance, while cosmetic surgery and mental health therapy can sometimes have exceptions depending on specific laws or circumstances, they typically still necessitate parental involvement for those under 18. General medical check-ups are often covered under parental consent, but minor patients generally do not have the same level of autonomy as they do in substance abuse cases. As for any type of surgery, it is generally expected that parental consent be obtained since it carries significant risks and implications, which makes the requirement for guardianship necessary for underage patients.