(1) A physician licensed by the Oregon Medical Board, a naturopathic physician licensed under ORS Chapter 685, a dentist licensed by the Oregon Board of Dentistry or a hospital licensed by the Department of Human Services is authorized to treat a child who is ward of the court or is a dependent or delinquent child in accord with the best medical judgment of the physician, naturopathic physician, dentist or responsible official of the hospital and without consent if:

(a) Because of the general state of the child’s health or any particular condition, the physician, naturopathic physician, dentist or responsible official of the hospital determines that in the medical judgment of the physician, naturopathic physician, dentist or responsible official prompt action is reasonably necessary to avoid unnecessary suffering or discomfort or to effect a more expedient or effective cure; and

(b) It is impossible or highly impractical to obtain consent for treating the child from the child-caring agency, the child’s parent or the child’s legal guardian.

(2) No charge of assault or battery shall be made against a physician, naturopathic physician, dentist or hospital official or employee who provides medical treatment pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.

(3) A minor child described in subsection (1) of this section may consent to medical treatment as provided in ORS § 109.640. [1975 c.580 § 2; 2017 c.356 § 38; 2023 c.228 § 10]