Sec. 19a-14c. Provision of outpatient mental health treatment to minors without parental consent.
Sec. 19a-14c. Provision of outpatient mental health treatment to minors without parental consent. (a) For the purposes of this section, "outpatient mental health
treatment" means the treatment of mental disorders, emotional problems or maladjustments with the object of (1) removing, modifying or retarding existing symptoms; (2)
improving disturbed patterns of behavior; and (3) promoting positive personality growth
and development. Treatment shall not include prescribing or otherwise dispensing any
medication which is a legend drug as defined in section 20-571.
(b) A psychiatrist licensed pursuant to chapter 370, a psychologist licensed pursuant
to chapter 383, an independent social worker certified pursuant to chapter 383b or a
marital and family therapist licensed pursuant to chapter 383a may provide outpatient
mental health treatment to a minor without the consent or notification of a parent or
guardian at the request of the minor if (1) requiring the consent or notification of a parent
or guardian would cause the minor to reject such treatment; (2) the provision of such
treatment is clinically indicated; (3) the failure to provide such treatment would be
seriously detrimental to the minor's well-being; (4) the minor has knowingly and voluntarily sought such treatment; and (5) in the opinion of the provider of treatment, the
minor is mature enough to participate in treatment productively. The provider of such
treatment shall document the reasons for any determination made to treat a minor without
the consent or notification of a parent or guardian and shall include such documentation
in the minor's clinical record, along with a written statement signed by the minor stating
that (A) he is voluntarily seeking such treatment; (B) he has discussed with the provider
the possibility of involving his parent or guardian in the decision to pursue such treatment; (C) he has determined it is not in his best interest to involve his parent or guardian
in such decision; and (D) he has been given adequate opportunity to ask the provider
questions about the course of his treatment.
(c) After the sixth session of outpatient mental health treatment provided to a minor
pursuant to this section, the provider of such treatment shall notify the minor that the
consent, notification or involvement of a parent or guardian is required to continue
treatment, unless such a requirement would be seriously detrimental to the minor's well-being. If the provider determines such a requirement would be seriously detrimental to
the minor's well-being, he shall document such determination in the minor's clinical
record, review such determination every sixth session thereafter and document each
such review. If the provider determines such a requirement would no longer be seriously
detrimental to the minor's well-being, he shall require the consent, notification or
involvement of a parent or guardian as a condition of continuing treatment. No provider
shall notify a parent or guardian of treatment provided pursuant to this section or disclose
any information concerning such treatment to a parent or guardian without the consent
of the minor.
(d) A parent or guardian who is not informed of the provision of outpatient mental
health treatment for his minor child pursuant to this section shall not be liable for the
costs of the treatment provided.
(P.A. 92-129, S. 1; P.A. 95-289, S. 8.)
History: P.A. 95-289 changed marital and family therapists from "certified" to "licensed".