MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
23-1461m Minors Ages 16 or Older Can Consent to Narcotic Replacement Therapy
Health Net·CA · Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Practice +3 more·Pharmacy
Effective date
Jan 1, 2024
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Effective January 1, 2024, minors ages 16 or older can now consent to receive buprenorphine and other opioid use disorder medications for narcotic replacement therapy without parent/guardian consent in detoxification settings. Providers must document attempts to contact parents/guardians and whether involvement is appropriate in the minor's treatment record.
Action Required
Immediately: Update intake forms and EMR templates to capture consent from minors ages 16+ for narcotic replacement therapy. Add required documentation fields for parent/guardian contact attempts and appropriateness determinations. Train front desk and clinical staff on new consent procedures for minors receiving buprenorphine and opioid use disorder medications. Ensure treatment records include whether parent/guardian contact was attempted, successful, or deemed inappropriate.