Title 42 — The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73not60
§1396f Observance of Religious Beliefs
Title 42 › Chapter 7— SOCIAL SECURITY › Subchapter XIX— GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS › § 1396f
Summary
States with approved plans cannot force anyone to have medical tests, exams, diagnoses, treatments, or other health services if the person objects on religious grounds. If the patient is a child, a parent or guardian can object for them. The only exception is when the care is needed to detect or stop contagious infections or to protect public or environmental health.
Full Legal Text
Title 42, §1396f
The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to require any State which has a plan approved under this subchapter to compel any person to undergo any medical screening, examination, diagnosis, or treatment or to accept any other health care or services provided under such plan for any purpose (other than for the purpose of discovering and preventing the spread of infection or contagious disease or for the purpose of protecting environmental health), if such person objects (or, in case such person is a child, his parent or guardian objects) thereto on religious grounds.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
42 U.S.C. § 1396f
Title 42 — The Public Health and Welfare
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60