Bill > HB1251

This bill establishes comprehensive requirements for parental consent in medical and mental health services for minors in Colorado. The legislation defines key terms such as "medical emergency" (an acute injury or illness posing an immediate risk to life or long-term health), "medical or mental health service" (treatment of physical or mental health conditions by licensed professionals), "minor child" (a person 17 years old or younger), and "parent" (natural, adoptive, or legal guardian with legal custody). The bill prohibits any individual, corporation, organization, or state-supported institution from providing medical or surgical procedures to a minor without first obtaining written or verbal consent from the minor's parent. There are three specific exceptions to the parental consent requirement: in medical emergency situations where obtaining consent is impossible, when a minor is in the custody of human services or youth services, or when a valid court order directs medical treatment. The bill also amends multiple existing statutes to remove provisions that previously allowed minors to consent to certain medical treatments independently and ensures that parental consent is now required for a wide range of medical and mental health services. These changes significantly restrict a minor's ability to independently seek medical treatment and emphasize parental involvement in healthcare decisions for individuals under 18 years old.

Health and Social Services

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1251