FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
January 23, 2004
Back
Erickson: Medical Consent Cards Can Help Children
Obtain Care
Harrisburg – A medical consent card is available that could expedite
treatment for children during their parents' absence, state Ted Erickson
(R-26) said today.
With more parents in the workforce, children spend a substantial
amount of time supervised by caregivers. Erickson noted. That means
responsibility for the health of children falls increasingly on the
shoulders of grandparents or other members of the family's support
system.
Provided by the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the wallet-sized
medical consent card can aid caregivers and expedite medical treatment
in emergencies.
"The card allows for a listing of emergency contacts and the child's
vital health data, including allergies, medications blood type and
medical conditions," said Erickson. "With their signature, parents
designate and authorize the child's caregiver to make necessary medical
decisions in the event of an emergency."
For years, Pennsylvania law permitted only parents, legal guardians
or legal custodians to consent to routine exams and treatment. Children
living in informal "kinship care" settings are not foster children, so
their caregivers had no legal authority to consent the kinds of routine
medical care that can prevent serious illness. Such care includes
vaccinations and physical examinations required for school enrollment,
dental check-ups, eye examinations and physical therapy.
That changed in 1999 when the General Assembly passed legislation to
allow parents of such children to authorize the caregiver to consent to
medical examinations and treatment for the children.
The free card can be obtained by calling 1-877-BRC-2425.
CONTACT: Chuck McDonald (717) 787-1350
