1. Update Consent Policies and Forms
- Revise all intake paperwork and consent forms so that minors under 16 require written parent/guardian permission before starting ongoing counseling.
- Include clear language outlining exceptions (emergency, abuse, emancipation, etc.).
- Make sure your electronic health record (EHR) or practice management system flags minor clients under 16 for consent verification.
2. Train Staff and Clinicians
- Conduct mandatory training for all clinicians, intake staff, and schedulers on the new age-of-consent rule.
- Role-play common scenarios (e.g., a 15-year-old self-referring for anxiety) so staff know how to respond compliantly.
- Provide quick-reference guides/checklists to keep at desks and counseling rooms.
3. Strengthen Documentation Procedures
- Standardize how consent is recorded: who signed, when it was received, and any exceptions used.
- Add an audit step in the intake process to verify consent paperwork is complete before scheduling ongoing sessions.
- Document clinical reasoning in cases where exceptions apply (e.g., imminent harm, abuse).
4. Communicate with Parents, Schools, and Referral Sources
- Proactively notify referral partners (pediatricians, schools, community agencies) of the law change and your new process.
- Educate parents and guardians that counseling access for minors under 16 now requires their signed permission (unless exceptions apply).
- Update your website FAQs and social media posts so families clearly understand the requirement before scheduling.
5. Review Legal & Risk Management Practices
- Consult with your malpractice insurance provider or legal counsel to confirm your revised consent process aligns with SB 101.
- Update your policy and procedure manual to reflect the new standard.
- Include SB 101 compliance in staff evaluations and quality assurance audits to reduce liability exposure.
Counselors, find our blog about what you need to know about Alabama SB 101 here. Special thanks to Josh Andrews at Gatehouse Law in Birmingham, AL!