A group of Republican state lawmakers wants to expand parental consent requirements for medical and mental health services provided to children. But several medical groups say the proposal is unnecessary and warn of unintended consequences.
Senate Bill 573 would require public and private entities to obtain parental permission before providing or “arranging” surgery, physical exams, medications, or mental health care for children.
Republican Sen. Ruth Ward, R-Stoddard, said the move was in response to concerns that schools and doctors are cutting parents out of important decisions.
“Parental rights are being steadily stripped away by default and handed over to state institutions,” he told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday.
New Hampshire already requires parental consent for most medical care if the patient is under 18 years of age. However, there are limited exceptions, including drug use treatment, contraception, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.
Kayla Montgomery, vice president of communications for Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, said the federal Title He said he was required to make the information available confidentially.
Planned Parenthood staff members encourage parental involvement, but it's not always an option, Montgomery said.
“Research shows that without access to confidential care, many adolescents will not seek the health care services they need due to fear or judgment from their parents or guardians,” she said.
Similarly, Jackie Abikoff, a licensed drug and alcohol counselor, said clinicians who treat drug use in teens try to involve parents as much as possible. However, some youth may only seek help if they know their parents will not be notified.
“It is highly unusual for a child to seek treatment without parental consent for reasons other than fear, such as abuse or trouble with a parent,” she says.
Lynn Currier Stanley, president of the New Hampshire chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, said the bill could make it harder for school social workers to help students who are facing challenges. It can include anything from everyday problems at school to an unsafe home environment or suicidal thoughts.
“School social workers often say to students, 'Can I talk to you for a second?'” she said. “And if this bill passes, their answer is I would have to say no.”
Stanley said minors already need parental consent to receive therapy services at school or see a private therapist.
The Judiciary Committee has not yet taken action on this bill.
