Bill > HB1788

This bill amends existing laws to provide greater consistency in the provision of health care services for minors under the age of 17. Key provisions include: 1. Allowing minors 17 years of age or older to consent to hospital, medical, and surgical care related to sexually transmitted diseases or HIV infection, without parental consent. 2. Allowing minors 17 years of age or older to voluntarily admit themselves to mental health or substance use disorder treatment facilities, while requiring parental consent for minors under 17. 3. Requiring notification of parents when a minor 17 years of age or older is voluntarily admitted for treatment, with some exceptions. 4. Allowing minors 17 years of age or older to request and receive outpatient treatment without parental consent, while requiring parental consent for minors under 17. 5. Prohibiting the state from expending funds to permit a minor under 17 to voluntarily terminate a pregnancy without parental consent, except in cases of imminent danger to the minor's life. 6. Abolishing the "mature minor rule" that previously allowed minors under 17 to provide informed consent for health care procedures, unless specifically authorized by statute.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1788&Year=2023&Initiative=false