S.2915

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

This bill amends New Jersey law to lower the age at which minors can consent to behavioral health care treatment from 16 to 14. Specifically, it allows minors aged 14 and older to consent to temporary outpatient treatment for mental illness or emotional disorders, excluding medication administration, under the supervision of a licensed health care professional. The consent is valid and binding, and cannot be disaffirmed due to the minor's age. The bill also ensures that treatment for substance use disorders is confidential and not subject to reporting unless required by law.