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Bill > S2915
NJ S2915
NJ S2915Lowers age at which minors can consent to behavioral health care treatment from age 16 to age 14.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, a minor, 16 years of age or older, who believes that he or she is in need of behavioral health care services can consent to temporary outpatient treatment under the supervision of a licensed health care professional, excluding the use or administration of medication, as if the minor had achieved the age of majority. This bill lowers the age at which a minor can consent to such treatment from 16 years of age or older to 14 years of age or older.
AI Summary
This bill lowers the age at which minors can consent to behavioral health care services, such as treatment for mental illness or emotional disorders, from 16 years old to 14 years old. Currently, minors aged 16 and older can consent to temporary outpatient treatment, excluding medication, as if they were adults. This change means that 14 and 15-year-olds will also have the ability to seek and consent to this type of care independently, without needing parental or guardian permission, and this consent will be legally binding. The bill also clarifies that this consent applies to treatment provided by licensed healthcare professionals and facilities.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2915 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2915_I1.HTM |
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