Bill > SB719

This bill modifies several sections of West Virginia law to change the age at which minors can consent to certain medical services and treatments. Specifically, the bill allows minors who have reached 16 years of age to consent to general health services, sexually transmitted disease care, alcohol addiction treatment, and controlled substance addiction treatment, with the requirement that healthcare providers provide actual notice to the minor's parent, guardian, foster parent, or kinship placement. However, actual notice is not required in certain circumstances, such as when the minor has graduated high school, is emancipated, married, or there is a pending child abuse case against the parent. The bill also removes the legal definition of a "mature minor" and eliminates the previous provision that allowed mature minors between 16 and 18 years old to consent to do-not-resuscitate orders. The changes aim to standardize and clarify the circumstances under which minors can seek medical treatment without parental consent, while still generally maintaining a requirement for parental notification.

Health and Social Services, Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=719&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill