Lowers age for minors to consent to behavioral health care treatment from 16 to 14.

This bill lowers the age at which minors can consent to behavioral health care treatment from 16 to 14. It allows minors aged 14 and older to consent to temporary outpatient treatment for mental illness or emotional disorders, excluding medication administration. The consent is valid and binding, and cannot be disaffirmed due to minority. The bill aims to address teen suicide prevention, especially in light of increased suicide rates among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lowers age for minors to consent to behavioral health care treatment from 16 to 14.

This bill lowers the age at which minors can consent to behavioral health care treatment from 16 to 14. It allows minors aged 14 and older to consent to temporary outpatient treatment for mental illness or emotional disorders, excluding medication administration. The consent is valid and binding, and cannot be disaffirmed due to minority. The bill aims to address teen suicide prevention, especially in light of increased suicide rates among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.