Current law prohibits electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) from
being performed on a minor under 16 years of age. The bill 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 ECT.
