Who should sign the release form for a dependent minor?

The release form for a dependent minor should be signed by the legal custodian because this individual holds the legal responsibility and authority to make decisions on behalf of the minor. In many cases, this is a parent; however, it could also be a guardian or another designated individual who has been granted legal custody of the minor.

The requirement for a legal custodian to sign ensures that the rights and interests of the minor are adequately protected and that there is no ambiguity about who is authorized to give consent for medical treatment or release of information. This protects both the healthcare provider and the minor, ensuring parental rights and legalities are adhered to.

While other options, such as a parent or an attending provider, might seem like reasonable choices, they do not fully address the legal context in which a release form is signed. For example, a minor is generally not legally capable of consenting to their own treatment or making decisions about their medical care, and an attending provider cannot authorize such release without proper consent.