Bill > SB101

This bill modifies Alabama law regarding medical consent for minors, primarily focusing on mental health services and parental involvement. The legislation raises the age at which minors can independently consent to ongoing school counseling services from 14 to 16 years old, requiring written parental permission (opt-in) for students under 16 to participate in mental health services. The bill establishes that local school boards must adopt policies requiring annual written notification to parents about mental health services, including details about the services and parents' rights to allow, limit, or prevent their child's participation. Healthcare providers are still permitted to provide services without parental consent in specific circumstances, such as imminent threats to the student's health, suspected abuse or neglect, or immediate necessity for grief counseling. The bill also adds provisions ensuring parents have access to their minor child's health information, with some exceptions like court orders or ongoing abuse investigations. Additionally, the law expands the circumstances under which minors can provide their own medical consent, including for individuals 16 and older, those who have graduated high school, pregnant minors, emancipated minors, and minors living independently. The changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aim to balance parental rights with protecting students' mental health and safety.

Health and Social Services

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