JOINT CONSENT TO MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT

Senate Memorial 6 requests the New Mexico Department of Health to study whether revising the Children's Code to allow joint parental and minor consent (for youth aged 14-17) for mental health treatment - instead of the current rule permitting minors to refuse treatment - could improve outcomes. The study will compare New Mexico's youth mental health data with states having similar "joint consent" laws, focusing on whether such policies reduce residential treatment use, juvenile justice involvement, or mental health emergencies. It does not change current law but seeks data to inform future policy decisions. The Department of Health must report findings to the legislative health committee by November 1, 2025.