ADC9F00C3BB50F2387258526006CD463 Hearing Summary

Senator Fields, sponsor, explained House Bill 20-1270 concerning the consent of one parent for a licensed professional person to treat a minor for a behavioral health disorder.  She discussed the need to reduce barriers for minors to receive mental health services and also outlined safeguards in the bill.

Committee members asked questions about the application of the bill. 

Shelby Ross, Office of Legislative Legal Services, answered questions about how the bill applies to married couples, legal separations, and divorce. 

Committee discussion followed about parental rights and court orders. 

Dr. Ryan Burkhart, representing the Colorado Counseling Association, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the ways in which mental health professionals are governed and answered questions from the committee about the bill's application and age of consent.

Committee discussion followed about liability and access to mental health services for minors.   

Valerie Schlect, representing the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.  She answered questions from the committee about joint custody and mental health treatment of a child. 

The Chair laid the bill over to Wedneday, March 11, 2020.