Can a stepparent or family friend bring a child for an appointment?

The policy states that a non-legal guardian (e.g., a stepparent) can bring a child to an appointment if there is an up-to-date Consent to Treat on file, signed by the patient’s parent/legal guardian. No additional verbal permission is needed for non-legal guardians to bring the child in for an appointment; the consent is sufficient for treatment, except for surgeries. For surgeries, there is an additional surgical consent that will need authorized by the parent/legal guardian which can either be signed or given verbally.

However, only a parent or legal guardian can sign the Consent to Treat. For surgical procedures, including those involving anesthesia, informed consents must be obtained from the parent or legal guardian. While anyone can bring the child for a surgical appointment, the parent or guardian will be contacted to give verbal informed consent. Social Work does not need to be involved, and Patient Relations would only be called if there’s an issue.