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Who Consents? Medical Decision-Making for Children in Foster Care

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Children in foster care have complexity around medical decision-making because of their unique custody status. When medical decision-making is necessary for a child in foster care, what perspectives are important? What if opinions are not aligned? Who makes the final decision for consent? This Ethics Rounds focuses on a young child in foster care who has had repeated ear infections. Foster caregivers and family of origin are not in agreement on the treatment plan. Two experts, a foster care pediatrician and a child welfare professional, comment on the important considerations for the case, including involvement of legal representation and best interest representation in medical decision-making as well as the variability in child welfare response by state.

Source: PEDIATRICS

DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-065110

Authors: Mary V. Greiner, Grace Muntz

Institutions: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati

Language: English

Topic: Ethics and Legal Issues in Pediatric Healthcare

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W4402281889