Cardwell v. Bechtol

OPINION

DROWOTA, Justice.

An issue of first impression in Tennessee is raised in this appeal as to whether Tennessee should adopt a mature minor exception to the common law rule that requires a physician to obtain parental consent before treating a minor. This case arose out of treatment administered by Defendant, Dr. E.L. Bechtol, to Sandra K. Cardwell, the daugther of Robert and Wilma Cardwell. Defendant is a doctor of osteopathy. At the time of treatment, Sandra Cardwell was a minor. The suit was instituted by the Plaintiffs, Sandra Cardwell, individually, and by her parents, both…