Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB729

Introduced
12/6/23  
Refer
12/6/23  

Caption

A minor's authority to consent to health care.

Impact

This bill modifies existing statutes, specifically by creating a new section, 48.374, that delineates the conditions under which a minor can consent to health care. It clarifies that while minors are allowed to make these decisions, the consent does not extend to certain medical procedures related to gender transition, thereby restricting access to specific treatments for gender dysphoria. These amendments signal a shift in the state's approach to youth autonomy in health matters, with potential implications for healthcare providers and services catered to specific demographics such as homeless youth.

Summary

Assembly Bill 729 aims to empower minors, specifically unaccompanied youths, to consent to receive medical, dental, and behavioral health treatments without the need for parental or guardian consent. This legislation defines 'unaccompanied youth' in accordance with federal regulations, ensuring that youth who are homeless and not in the custody of a guardian can access necessary health care services. To consent, minors must be at least 14 years of age and must not be under the supervision of state or county welfare departments.

Contention

AB729 has generated notable points of contention, particularly regarding its implications for minors seeking gender-affirming care. Critics of the bill argue that by excluding certain medical interventions, the legislation places undue restrictions on healthcare decisions that should be left to the individual and their healthcare provider. Supporters, on the other hand, assert that it protects vulnerable minors from making potentially irreversible decisions without parental guidance or necessary medical oversight.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI SB704

A minor's authority to consent to health care.

WI AB49

A minor’s authority to consent to health care.

WI SB70

A minor’s authority to consent to health care.

WI SB90

Minor Mental Health: Age Of Consent

WI HB232

Minor Mental Health: Age Of Consent

WI HB353

Unaccompanied homeless youth; consent to medical care.

WI HB1239

Unaccompanied homeless youth; consent to surgical or medical care.

WI HB1239

Unaccompanied homeless youth; consent to surgical or medical care.

WI S560

Medical Treatment for Minors Act

WI S3871

Permits minors 13 years of age and older to consent to behavioral health care services.

Similar Bills

CA AB1937

Homeless children and youths and unaccompanied youths: reporting.

CA AB27

Homeless children and youths and unaccompanied youths: reporting.

CA AB2375

Homeless children and youths and unaccompanied youths: housing questionnaire.

CA AB673

Unaccompanied homeless pupils: Unaccompanied Youth Transitional Housing Program.

CA SR61

Relative to Unaccompanied Women Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Month.

CA AB1261

Immigration: unaccompanied undocumented minors: right to legal counsel.

CA SB678

Unaccompanied Women Experiencing Homelessness Act of 2021.

CA AB163

Services for unaccompanied undocumented minors: facilities liaison.