Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam 2025 – Complete Practice Resource

Anyone has the right to refuse medical care as long as they are considered competent. Competence typically refers to the individual's ability to understand the information presented to them regarding their medical situation and to make informed choices regarding their treatment options. This right is a fundamental aspect of medical ethics and patient autonomy, reflecting respect for individuals' decisions about their bodies and health care.

This principle applies not only to adults but also to adolescents and mature minors, depending on the legal standards set in various jurisdictions. While minors often require parental consent for medical treatments, they may still have the right to refuse certain types of care if they can demonstrate an understanding of the consequences of their decisions and if laws in their region support such rights.

Choices that limit this right to only adults over 18, only patients with doctors' recommendations, or minors with parental consent fail to encompass the broader legal and ethical frameworks that govern patient autonomy in healthcare settings.