(1) The general assembly finds and declares that:(1) A parent has the right to make all physical and mental healthcare decisions for the parent's minor child and consent to all physical and mental health care on the child's behalf, as described in § 63-1-176;(2) Minors are increasingly being asked questions by healthcare providers regarding gender identity, perceived gender normalcy, or whether the minor identifies as the minor's true or right gender without parental knowledge or consent;(3) Some healthcare providers and facilities have reported that insurance companies or third-party payors require the inclusion of such questions for data collection or reimbursement;(4) Such questions may introduce confusion, influence minors, or conflict with the values and beliefs of families in this state; and(5) This state has a compelling interest in ensuring that healthcare providers do not solicit sensitive information from a minor that is unrelated to legitimate medical purposes and that a parent remain fully informed.
(1) A parent has the right to make all physical and mental healthcare decisions for the parent's minor child and consent to all physical and mental health care on the child's behalf, as described in § 63-1-176;
(2) Minors are increasingly being asked questions by healthcare providers regarding gender identity, perceived gender normalcy, or whether the minor identifies as the minor's true or right gender without parental knowledge or consent;
(3) Some healthcare providers and facilities have reported that insurance companies or third-party payors require the inclusion of such questions for data collection or reimbursement;
(4) Such questions may introduce confusion, influence minors, or conflict with the values and beliefs of families in this state; and
(5) This state has a compelling interest in ensuring that healthcare providers do not solicit sensitive information from a minor that is unrelated to legitimate medical purposes and that a parent remain fully informed.