Massachusetts General Laws

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 112, § 12E (2026)

Drug dependent minors; consent to medical care; liability for payment; records

✓ current as of July 2026
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Section 12E. A minor twelve years of age or older who is found to be drug dependent by two or more physicians may give his consent to the furnishing of hospital and medical care related to the diagnosis or treatment of such drug dependency. Such consent shall not be subject to disaffirmance because of minority. The consent of the parent or legal guardian of such minor shall not be necessary to authorize hospital and medical care related to such drug dependency and, notwithstanding any provision of section fifty-four of chapter one hundred and twenty-three to the contrary, such parent or legal guardian shall not be liable for the payment of any care rendered pursuant to this section. Records shall be kept of such care. The provisions of this section shall not apply to methadone maintenance therapy.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 3 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 2002–2025 · leading case: Sharon v. City of Newton, 769 N.E.2d 738 (Mass. 2002).
Sharon v. City of Newton, 769 N.E.2d 738 (Mass. 2002). “175, § 113K (minor over sixteen years of age permitted to contract for motor vehicle liability insurance); G. L. c. 112, § 12E (minor over twelve years of age found to be drug dependent may consent to treatment for dependency); G.”
Commonwealth v. Packer, 88 Mass. App. Ct. 585 (Mass. App. Ct. 2015). · cites it 2× “680, § 1 (rights of "persons acting as parents" to notice and the opportunity to be heard in child custody proceedings); G. L. c. 112, § 12E 1/2, inserted by St. 2012, c.”
Dylan Brandt v. Tim Griffin (8th Cir. 2025). “§ 20-102(c); Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 112, § 12E; Mich. Comp.”
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