Washington

The actual law:

By judicial decision, Washington state provides that mature minors who are capable of meeting the informed consent standard have consent authority. In determining whether the patient is a mature minor, providers will evaluate the minor’s “age, intelligence, maturity, training, experience, economic independence or lack thereof, general conduct as an adult and freedom from the control of parents.”

Smith v. Seibly, 72 Wn.2d 16, 21, 431 P.2d 719 (1967).

Further Information:

Providing Health Care to Minors under Washington Law - The University of Washington (cited by Washington State Department of Health)

Mature Minor Rule - King County (Washington) Public Health Department

What this means:

In Washington, minors of any age do not need their parent’s consent to receive all healthcare services, including vaccinations. This is called a “mature minor doctrine” and essentially means that if you talk to your doctor/healthcare provider and they decide you are “mature enough” to make your own health care decisions, you can.

Note: Minors can receive some health care services without parental consent in Title X-funded clinics. Call a nearby clinic to see if they will administer vaccinations without parental consent or your state health department for more information.

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