HB 1058-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that, despite explicit statements in statute that the consent of a minor child is not required for a parent-initiated admission to inpatient or outpatient mental health treatment, treatment providers consistently refuse to accept a minor aged thirteen or over if the minor does not also consent to treatment. The legislature intends that the parent-initiated treatment provisions, with their accompanying due process provisions for the minor, be made fully available to parents.

Provides that parental authorization is required for inpatient treatment of a minor under the age of thirteen.

Declares that a minor child shall have no cause of action against an evaluation and treatment facility, inpatient facility, or provider of outpatient mental health treatment for admitting or accepting the minor in good faith for evaluation or treatment under RCW 71.34.052 or 71.34.054 based solely upon the fact that the minor did not consent to evaluation or treatment if the minor's parent has consented to the evaluation or treatment.