SRC-JJJ S.B. 44 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 44 76R1140 JJT-DBy: Shapiro Health Services 3/1/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, Texas law allows minors between the ages of 16 and 18 to check themselves into drug treatment facilities without the consent of their parents. Texas law, however, also allows a minor between the ages of 16 and 18 to check out of the treatment facility, regardless of whether a parent admitted the child. S.B. 44 would require a parent to be notified of the release of a minor child when the parent checks their child into a treatment facility. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 44 establishes provisions regarding consent for substance abuse treatment of a minor. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 462.023, Health and Safety Code, to require the release of a voluntary patient except as provided by Subsections (b) and (c). Requires a facility to consult a parent if the patient is a minor, on receipt of the written request for release. Requires the facility to continue treatment if a parent objects, and signed a surrogate consent form at the time of the patient's admission and after the consultation. Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.