Decision-Making and Guardianship

As the adolescent patient approaches adulthood, there should be a discussion between the healthcare team, the patient, and parent or legal guardian regarding the patient’s decision-making capability. In most cases, at the age of 18 the patient is legally able to make decisions regarding their health care, property, and finances. For some patients with disability or psychiatric illness, there may be concern about the individual’s ability to make these decisions, and the parent or previous legal guardian may consider guardianship for the adult-aged patient.