Assembly Bill 112 introduces significant changes to the consent requirements for mental health treatment for minors aged 14 and older in Wisconsin. The bill allows either the minor or their parent or guardian to consent to outpatient or inpatient mental health treatment, eliminating the need for mutual consent. In cases where a parent consents without the minor's agreement, a petition must be filed for court review of the treatment's appropriateness. The bill also outlines procedures for situations where either party refuses consent, requiring the treatment facility director to notify local county corporation counsel to file a petition for court review. Additionally, it modifies the admission and discharge processes, allowing the court to approve transfers based on the approval of either the minor or the parent/guardian, and removes the requirement for healthcare providers to obtain parental consent in emergency situations for outpatient treatment.

The bill further amends various statutes related to the discharge and treatment of minors in mental health facilities. It mandates that minors whose parents or guardians request discharge in writing must be released within 48 hours unless an emergency detention or commitment petition is filed. Minors not discharged can request a court hearing to assess the appropriateness of their admission. The bill also allows minors aged 14 and older to seek outpatient mental health treatment even if their parent or guardian refuses consent. Additionally, it enables a parent or guardian who provided informed consent to petition for a review of the treatment's appropriateness, even if the minor disagrees, and clarifies that certain procedures can be bypassed if deemed in the minor's best interest. Overall, the bill aims to enhance access to mental health treatment for minors while ensuring appropriate legal oversight and involvement of guardians.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 51.13(1)(b), 51.13, 51.13(1)(c), 51.13(3)(am), 51.13(4)(a)(intro.), 51.13(4)(a)3, 51.13(4)(d), 51.13(4)(g)1.b, 51.13(6)(a)2, 51.13(7)(a), 51.13(7)(b)3, 51.13(7)(b)5, 51.13(7)(c), 51.14(3)(a), 51.14, 51.14(3)(f), 51.14(3)(g), 51.14(3)(h)(intro.), 51.14(3)(j)