This bill proposes significant updates to current statutes regarding the prescription and administration of gender transition procedures by health professionals. Under the new law, health professionals would be required to obtain voluntary, written, and signed informed consent from patients before proceeding with any gender transition procedures. This includes a comprehensive disclosure of the uncertain long-term benefits and potential risks associated with puberty-suppressing medications, cross-sex hormones, and surgical interventions. The bill mandates that health professionals provide detailed information about the risks, alternatives, and the irreversible nature of certain procedures, as well as the possibility of detransitioning.
Additionally, the bill establishes requirements for documentation and retention of informed consent records, stipulating that these documents must be maintained for at least fifteen years and made available for compliance reviews. It also introduces penalties for health professionals who fail to comply with these informed consent requirements, including the potential for civil action against them for providing false or incomplete information. Overall, the legislation aims to ensure that individuals undergoing gender transition procedures are fully informed of the associated risks and alternatives, reflecting a commitment to patient safety and informed decision-making.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 32-3230.03