OPA's Advice Service is currently experiencing higher than usual wait times for enquiries, estimated response time is 48 hours. For more information click here

Children under 18 years


Medical treatment for people aged under 18 years

Unlike adults, people under the age of 18 years (minors) are not presumed to have the decision-making capacity.

However, if a minor has the decision-making capacity to do so, they can:

  • make a medical treatment decision
  • make an advance directive
  • appoint a support person.

A minor cannot appoint a medical treatment decision maker even if they have decision-making capacity to do so.