Minors: consent to mental health services.

Existing law authorizes a minor who is 12 years of age or older to consent to mental health treatment or counseling, except as specified, on an outpatient basis, or to residential shelter services, if specified conditions are met. This bill would, notwithstanding any provision of law, instead, provide that a minor who is 12 years of age or older may consent to outpatient mental health services, if, in the opinion of the professional person, as defined, the minor is mature enough to participate intelligently in the mental health treatment or counseling services. The bill would expand the definition of a professional person to include a licensed clinical social worker, as specified, and a board certified or board eligible psychiatrist. Existing law provides for the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services and under which qualified low-income persons receive health care benefits. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid provisions. This bill would provide that the above mental health services will not apply to the receipt of benefits under the Medi-Cal program.