SENATE HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

SENATE, Nos. 1188 and 1970

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 22, 2024

      The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee reports favorably a Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill Nos. 1188 and 1970.

      Under current law, a minor, 16 years of age or older, who believes that he or she is in need of behavioral health care services can consent to temporary outpatient treatment under the supervision of a licensed health care professional, excluding the use or administration of medication, as if the minor had achieved the age of majority.  This substitute lowers the age at which a minor can consent to such treatment from 16 years of age or older to 14 years of age or older.