A 16-year-old presents at an urgent care center with a deep laceration on her arm after falling off a skateboard. She is alone and expresses an understanding of the need for stitches and potential risks involved. She clarifies that she is a legally emancipated minor. How should the medical assistant proceed regarding consent for treatment?
Provide only emergency first aid and refer her to a hospital where a legal expert can address the consent issue.
Obtain the minor's consent as you would with an adult, after verifying her emancipated status.
Ask the minor to contact a friend or relative over 18 who can provide verbal consent over the phone.
Delay treatment until a parent or guardian can be contacted for consent, even if the minor claims to be emancipated.