Bill > SB152

This bill amends Delaware law regarding voluntary psychiatric admissions for minors, specifically expanding the authority of the Division of Family Services (DFS) in cases involving youth in their custody. Currently, only parents or legal guardians can consent to and sign for a minor's psychiatric hospital admission, but this bill allows the Director or Deputy Director of DFS to designate someone else to provide consent and sign admission paperwork when a child is in DFS custody under Chapter 25 of Title 13. This change aligns with existing practices for other medical procedures and provides more administrative flexibility for the agency. The bill modifies language throughout the relevant section to consistently include the option for a "designee" to act on behalf of the DFS Director or Deputy Director, ensuring that such designees can only act with direct approval from high-level DFS leadership. These modifications apply to both the initial admission process and potential discharge procedures, maintaining the same standards of consent and oversight for designated representatives as for parents or legal guardians.

Health and Social Services

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142322