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.