This discussion came up in a round of emails...Please post your thoughts on the matter:

Jim,

Hope things are well. Quick question for you... what do you do if you come across a homeless minor not with a parent? Obviously obtaining parental consent to treat would not be possible. Does this fall under good Samaritan laws?

Thanks
Mike

Michael Kalsman, M.D.

Dr. Kalsman,
Let me quickly introduce myself. My name is Marcus Urey. I am a second year medical student at UCLA and one of the co-directors of the UCLA Mobile Clinic Project. Your question to Dr. Withers is extremely relevant to our project since we see around 10-12 minors a month. We haven't addressed the parental consent issue, but seeing your question has raised this concern for our project. Any advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!
-Marcus Urey