The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to raise the legal age for minors to consent to medical, dental, and mental health services from 14 to 16 years. It introduces exceptions for certain minors, including those who are pregnant, emancipated, or have graduated from high school. The legislation emphasizes parental rights in healthcare decisions, prohibiting healthcare providers and governmental entities from denying parents access to their minor child's health information, with specific exceptions outlined. Additionally, the bill mandates local boards of education to employ mental health service coordinators, who must obtain a school-based mental health certificate within a year of hiring, and establishes guidelines for parental consent in mental health services.

Moreover, the bill includes provisions that allow individuals aged 18 and older to consent to participate in clinical trials without needing consent from others, and it permits minors who are parents or pregnant to consent to medical services for their own children. It clarifies that minors can consent to medical services related to sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy without parental consent. The legislation also sets new guidelines for bone marrow donation, allowing individuals aged 16 and older, as well as certain minors, to consent to their own donation. The act emphasizes the rights of parents and guardians regarding access to their minor child's health information while ensuring that healthcare providers can act in the best interest of minors in cases of imminent threat or suspected abuse. The bill is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-22-16, 22-8-4, 22-8-6, 22-8-9, 22-8-10, 22-8-12, 22-8-13, 16-22-16, 22-8-4, 22-8-6, 22-8-9, 22-8-10
Engrossed: 16-22-16, 22-8-4, 22-8-6, 22-8-9, 22-8-10, 22-8-12, 22-8-13, 16-22-16, 22-8-4, 22-8-6, 22-8-9, 22-8-10
Enrolled: 16-22-16, 22-8-4, 22-8-6, 22-8-9, 22-8-10, 22-8-12, 22-8-13, 22-8-14