This bill amends existing laws regarding the consent for medical, behavioral, and mental health treatment for minors aged 16 years and older in Alaska. It allows unaccompanied homeless minors or those living independently from their parents to consent to their own medical, behavioral, and mental health services, provided they have the necessary documentation. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that permits minors aged 16 and older to consent to outpatient behavioral or mental health services for up to five appointments without parental consent, although medication cannot be prescribed without such consent. If a mental health provider determines that obtaining parental consent would be detrimental to the minor's well-being, they can continue treatment without it, provided they document their reasoning.
The bill also clarifies the residual rights and responsibilities of parents regarding major medical treatment, including mental health services, and specifies that parents are relieved of financial obligations for services provided under these new provisions. The effective date for this legislation is set for January 1, 2026.
Statutes affected: HB0232A, AM HB 232, introduced 05/19/2025: 25.20.025, 18.16.010, 14.30.174, 47.30.915, 47.10.084, 25.20.028, 47.12.150