Jun 10, 2015 2 min read

The state House of Representatives Monday unanimously passed a bill from Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, that would clarify when minors’ consent for mental health treatment is needed.

Snyder said changes to the Minor Consent to Medical, Dental and Health Services Act made in 2004 created confusion among providers, minors and parents regarding the rights of each.

The changes included lowering the age for minors consent to 14. Snyder said the reason behind the change was because of high rates of teen suicides, and because people were afraid children were not getting needed treatments or recognizing the need for treatment until it was too late.

“My House Bill 337 would end the delays to treatment and enable health care professionals to begin care expediently and responsibly,” Snyder said.

Snyder’s bill plans to end deferrals within treatment and permit health care professionals to begin care as quickly as possible. Under the bill, the state Department of Human Services could issue guidelines in regard to minors’ consent to mental health treatment.

“It will help families that potentially have children that are at risk,” Snyder said. “It will enable the parents to get the help for their child.”

After a family reached out to Snyder about complications encountered and confusion concerning the mental health law affecting minors, Snyder started working on the legislation.

“I believe that all of us – and the communities where we live – will be safer and stronger once the needed changes are made to the law,” Snyder said.

Next, the bill will head to the state Senate for consideration.