Tex. Health & Safety Code Section 578.002
Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy

(a)

Electroconvulsive therapy may not be used on a person who is younger than 16 years of age.

(b)

Unless the person consents to the use of the therapy in accordance with Section 578.003 (Consent to Therapy), electroconvulsive therapy may not be used on:

(1)

a person who is 16 years of age or older and who is voluntarily receiving mental health services; or

(2)

an involuntary patient who is 16 years of age or older and who has not been adjudicated by an appropriate court of law as incompetent to manage the patient’s personal affairs.

(c)

Electroconvulsive therapy may not be used on an involuntary patient who is 16 years of age or older and who has been adjudicated incompetent to manage the patient’s personal affairs unless the patient’s guardian of the person consents to the treatment in accordance with Section 578.003 (Consent to Therapy). The decision of the guardian must be based on knowledge of what the patient would desire, if known.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 705, Sec. 5.01.

Source: Section 578.002 — Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy, https://statutes.­capitol.­texas.­gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.­578.­htm#578.­002 (accessed May 26, 2025).

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Verified:
May 26, 2025

§ 578.002. Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy's source at texas​.gov