Drug Dependency

Consent. A child 12 years of age or older who is found to be drug dependent by two or more physicians may give their consent to the furnishing of hospital and medical care related to the diagnosis or treatment of such drug dependency. The consent of the Department is not necessary to authorize hospital or medical care related to drug dependency of any child 12 years of age or older in the Department's care or custody, or any child for whom the Department has been appointed guardian. See M.G.L. c. 112, § 12E. Consent by Department or Parent. If a medical provider refuses to treat a child without parental or Department consent, or if a child refuses to consent or is not able to consent to medical or hospital care related to the diagnosis or treatment of drug dependency, the Department may consent; provided that the Department shall not consent to the administration of antipsychotic medication or shock therapy or any other extraordinary medical treatment for diagnosis or treatment of drug dependency.