House Bill No. by Representative Chenevert amends existing laws regarding minors' consent for medical procedures and treatments. The bill mandates that informed, written consent from a parent or legal guardian is required for all medical and mental health services provided to minors until they reach the age of 17. It introduces specific exceptions where minors can consent to their own medical care, including situations involving military service, emancipation, pregnancy, treatment for substance misuse, sexually transmitted diseases, blood donation, and cases where abuse or neglect is suspected. Additionally, consent for surgical or medical treatment in emergencies is implied for minors under 18.

The bill also repeals several existing provisions that previously allowed minors to consent to medical care without parental approval, including those related to preventive counseling in schools. It ensures that parents or guardians have access to their minor children's medical records and protects healthcare providers from civil or criminal liability when acting in accordance with the new consent requirements. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen parental involvement in minors' healthcare decisions while outlining specific circumstances under which minors can independently consent to treatment.

Statutes affected:
HB775 Original: 40:1(A)(1)