by Linda Edgeton

Nursing

A person attains more medical rights as he/she reaches the age of majority, defined as the age when a person is considered legally responsible for all his/her activities and becomes entitled to the legal rights held by citizens generally. The following are some of the rights to which each human is entitled. Discuss why they are important.

Birth Rights

From birth, everyone has the right to:

• confidentiality concerning medical records
• privacy during treatment
• legal protection from malpractice

Minors

Anyone under age 18 or 21 (depending on the state in which he lives) has the right to consent to treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, serious communicable diseases, and drug or alcohol abuse (although the minor's parents may have to be notified).

Mature Minors

In certain instances, a doctor or judge may decide that a minor is mature--has a sufficiently developed awareness and mental capacity. If so, the minor has the right to make decisions about medical care.

Adults

Anyone who has reached majority, or who is legally emancipated, has the right to:

• consent to, or refuse, medical treatment
• consent to, or refuse, medical treatment for his children in most circumstances

Questions:

Do you agree or disagree with the above rights?

Do individuals have rights before birth?

Do individuals have the right to choose when they will die?