Arkansas
As a minor in Arkansas, can you consent to vaccinations?
The actual law:
It is recognized and established that, in addition to other authorized persons, any one (1) of the following persons may consent, either orally or otherwise, to any surgical or medical treatment or procedure not prohibited by law that is suggested, recommended, prescribed, or directed by a licensed physician:
(7) Any unemancipated minor of sufficient intelligence to understand and appreciate the consequences of the proposed surgical or medical treatment or procedures, for himself or herself;
Ark. Code Ann. § 20‐9‐602(7)
What this means:
In Arkansas, 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.
Find clinics near you below.
Title-X Clinics
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.