Eligible homeless and runaway youth could consent to health care

Youth age 14 or older who meet the bill's definition may consent to and receive medically necessary health care without a parent's or guardian's permission. A homeless youth must lack a safe home with a relative and another safe place to live, and be seeking shelter or qualifying transitional housing. A runaway youth must be under 18, seeking shelter, and away from home without a parent's or guardian's permission. The youth must provide acceptable documentation of homeless or runaway status, such as a signed statement from a service provider, school contact, attorney, or the youth and two adults who know the circumstances. No start date is stated in the bill text; the bill is still in progress as of its latest reported action.

A homeless or runaway youth age 14 or older who is a parent may consent to and receive medically necessary care for their child. Applies to a youth who is at least 14, is a parent, and meets the bill's definition of homeless or runaway youth. The youth must meet the bill's definition of homeless or runaway youth. No start date is stated in the bill text; the bill is still in progress as of its latest reported action.

A licensed physician or other qualified professional who provides care under the bill may not be held liable just for providing it without parental or guardian permission. Applies to Michigan-licensed physicians and other qualified professionals providing medically necessary care to a homeless or runaway youth under the bill. This protection does not cover negligence in diagnosis or treatment. No start date is stated in the bill text; the bill is still in progress as of its latest reported action.

Identifying a youth as homeless or runaway does not by itself establish abuse or neglect, and mandatory reporting duties remain in place. Applies when an individual is identified as a homeless or runaway youth under the bill. The bill does not replace the state's mandatory reporting requirements. No start date is stated in the bill text; the bill is still in progress as of its latest reported action.