Winona Model Legislature

Author
Ryan Stirrat
Winona State University
House

Essay

      The bill provides minors with the ability to consent to nonresidential health services. Overall health improves through mental health being supported (Health Promotion). Teenagers and independents who recognize their need for assistance have a pipeline to help regardless of their guardian’s beliefs. The bill also sets up specific guidelines so that not just sixteen-year-olds casually admit themselves to a non-residential service (Youakim). The bill is a step forward towards inclusive and accessible health care.

   Teenagers are making decisions about their healthcare based on an emergency need while not having the mental developmental abilities to think about consequences (Fetterman). The bill allows minors living separate from their parents, responsible for their own finances, and in need of  emergency services as allowance to consent to treatment (Youakim). In an emergency or idea of need, a minor may be consenting to treatment on a surface level without full understanding of the burden they are taking on for themselves. The ability to consent means there is not an additional party providing an additional perspective, thus decisions may be made on the fly before being thought out.