Laws vary from state to state, but many states have laws (statutes) enacted by their state legislatures that determine which persons have the legal authority to consent to medical treatments, medical procedures, and vaccinations (also known as immunizations or inoculations) of minor children (generally under the age of 18).
In Arizona, the consent to medical treatments, procedures, and vaccinations for minor children is generally governed by the parent or legal guardian. Arizona law allows parents or legal guardians to consent on behalf of their minor children, as they hold the primary responsibility for the child's health and welfare. However, there are exceptions where minors can consent to their own medical treatment. For example, Arizona law permits minors who are at least 15 years old to provide their own consent for vaccinations if the minor is considered to be emancipated or if the minor meets certain criteria such as being homeless or managing their own finances. Additionally, minors can consent to treatment for sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse, and mental health issues without parental consent under specific circumstances. It's important to note that while state statutes provide a general framework, there may be additional regulations or case law that further define and refine the application of these laws. An attorney can provide more detailed information about the current regulations and how they may apply to individual situations.