SB199

SYNOPSIS: Under existing law, a minor who is 14 years of age or older may consent to medical, dental, health, or mental health services for himself or herself.

This bill would allow a person who is 18 years of age or older to consent to any legally authorized medical, dental, health, or mental health research for himself or herself.

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT

To amend Section 22-8-4, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to consent to medical services; to establish the age of consent for medical research.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:Section 1. Section 22-8-4, Code of Alabama 1975, is amended to read as follows:

§22-8-4.

"(a) Any minor who is 14 years of age or older, or has graduated from high school, or is married, or having been married is divorced or is pregnant may give effective consent to any legally authorized medical, dental, health, or mental health services for himself or herself, and the consent of no other person shall be necessary.

"(b) A minor who is 18 years of age or older may give effective consent to any legally authorized medical, dental, health, or mental health research for himself or herself, and the consent of no other person shall be necessary."

Section 2. This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.

Age of Consent

Minors

Mental Health

Medicine

Dental Health

Code Amended