MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
23-1460m Minors Ages 16 or Older Can Consent to Narcotic Replacement Therapy
Health Net·CA · Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Practice +3 more·Prior Authorization
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 narcotic replacement therapy for opioid use disorder without parental consent in detoxification settings. Providers must document attempts to contact parents/guardians and include reasoning if contact is deemed inappropriate.
Action Required
Immediately: Update consent forms and EMR templates to accommodate minor consent for narcotic replacement therapy (buprenorphine, methadone, suboxone) for patients 16+. Billing team must ensure documentation includes provider attempts to contact parents/guardians and rationale if contact was deemed inappropriate. Update intake procedures to verify patient age and document consent appropriately for opioid use disorder treatments.