HB 24-1471

House Bill 24-1471 changes Colorado’s current law to allow electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) for minors under the age of 16 in specific cases. This can happen only if two licensed psychiatrists agree that ECT is necessary, after less invasive treatments have failed, and when it's needed to treat a life-threatening condition called malignant catatonia. The procedure must be performed by a trained physician or their designee, and the minor’s parent or guardian must give consent. The bill was signed into law on June 3, 2024, and became effective immediately on that same date.

Official Summary

Current law prohibits electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) from being performed on a minor under 16 years of age. The act authorizes ECT to be performed on a minor who is under 16 years of age only if: 2 individuals licensed to practice medicine in Colorado and specializing in psychiatry approve the ECT; Other less-invasive treatments have failed; ECT is medically necessary to treat life-threatening malignant catatonia; ECT is performed by at least one physician, or the physician's designee, who is trained and credentialed in ECT; and The minor's parent or guardian consents to ETC. APPROVED by Governor June 3, 2024 EFFECTIVE June 3, 2024(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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