Hahn Legislation Empowers Parents in Drug Treatment Cases
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Marcia Hahn (R-Bushkill Township) has authored legislation that would give parents a voice in the treatment of their minor children who are suspected of drug or alcohol use.
“The issue came to my attention when a 14-year-old child in my district was taken to one of our local hospitals,” Hahn said. “The child was able to refuse a drug test and the parents were powerless to do anything about it under current law.
House Bill 2359, which has support from members on both sides of the aisle, would amend the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act to specify that a parent or guardian is authorized to provide consent for treatment of their minor child.”
Hahn has been working closely with Rep. Daniel McNeill (D-Lehigh) to gather bipartisan support, as well as Rep. Pam Snyder (D-Greene/Fayette/Washington), who has a similar bill that has already passed the House.
“Rep. Snyder’s legislation (
House Bill 337) deals with the mental health aspects of an issue that has reached epidemic proportion in our state,” added Hahn. “Combining our efforts will hopefully close an unfortunate loophole and empower parents and guardians who can now be left without a voice in the treatment of loved ones who cannot make a decision in their best interests.”
House Bill 2359 will be voted on Wednesday by the House Health Committee.
Questions about this or any legislative issue may be directed to Hahn’s district office at (610) 746-2100.
Representative Marcia Hahn
138th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137
slittle@pahousegop.com
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