SB199 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shay ShelnuttSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Medical services, establish the age of consent for medical research, Sec. 22-8-4 am'd.

Summary

SB199 allows adults 18 and older to consent to legally authorized medical research for themselves, while preserving the existing minor consent rules for medical services.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds a provision that adults 18+ may consent to any legally authorized medical, dental, health, or mental health research for themselves, with no other person’s consent required. It does not change the current rules that allow minors 14+ (and some with certain life events) to consent to medical services for themselves. The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after it is approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Adults aged 18 and older in Alabama: can consent to legally authorized medical research for themselves, without needing a parent or guardian.
• Minors aged 14 and older (and those with certain life events): continue to be able to consent to medical, dental, health, or mental health services for themselves, without others’ consent.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 22-8-4 to allow 18+ individuals to give effective consent to legally authorized medical, dental, health, or mental health research for themselves, with no other person's consent required.
• Keeps the existing rule that minors 14+ (and those with certain life events) may consent to medical, dental, health, or mental health services for themselves, with no other person's consent required.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Age of Consent