Medical Treatment Decisions for Adolescents

Week 3
Student’s Name
Institution
Course Number and Name
Instructor’s Name
Date
Week 3
Tutorial Questions
TQ 3.1: Mutcherson
The question of when an adolescent can make an independent decision regarding medical treatment has always been problematic. This problem has been compounded further by contradictory statutes and research findings. According to Mutcherson (2005), extenuating circumstances grant adolescents freedom to decide their treatment preferences. 
If an adolescent finds the idea of involving a parent disagreeable and, therefore, rejects it, the healthcare provider should respect those wishes. Such mainly happens in pregnancy, STIs, substance abuse, and mental health treatment. A minor worried about severe reprisals from the parents because of their misdemeanors may not want to involve them in treatment. When such minors seek confidentiality, and their conditions do not pose a severe health threat, their wish should be granted.
An adolescent may also be given autonomy if the parent has some form of incapacity, such as lack of maturity, or is mentally incapacitated. A minor may raise concerns regarding the mental well-being of their parents. They may argue that due to an unsound mind, the parents may be incapable of making rational decisions. When such an argument is raised, it is the prerogative of the health provider to verify the claims. If they are adjudged as veritable, the health provider would have to weigh whether to follow the preference of a mentally challenged adult or a concerned minor.
Further, if an adolescent is financially independent and is in a position to cater for treatment, a healthcare provider can offer the treatment without consulting the parents. According to the Video Transcript, emancipated youths in most states have the same rights as adults. One aspect of emancipation is when a minor is self-supportive. It would be illogical to deny consent to a minor who can comfortably cater for their medical services. This is especially so if the situation is not an emergency. 
The other circumstance that can afford an adolescent the freedom to decide is when the adolescent has conflicting religious beliefs from the parents. If the parents reject treatment based on religious affiliations, an adolescent can be allowed to determine otherwise. Medical care is considered one of the essential basic needs (Linnard-Palmer & Kools, 2004). Therefore, it would beat reason to allow religious beliefs to override this fact. The most logical thing to do in such a situation would be to act in the best interests of the minor.
Last but not least, if the adolescent lives away from their parents and shows competence, their requests can be granted. In the same vein and according to the Video Transcript, if a minor is married, they can make their own decisions. A married minor is regarded as being emancipated and has, therefore, got the same rights as an adult. One pertinent presumption is that they are competent enough to understand what is best for them.
TQ 3.2: California and Maryland Statutes:
California and Maryland statutes differ to some extent when it comes consent for treatment by minors. In Maryland, a minor's capacity to consent to treatment is simi...