Substitute House Bill No. 7135 aims to strengthen the legal protections surrounding reproductive and gender-affirming health care services in Connecticut. The bill introduces new definitions for "reproductive health care services," which now includes assisted reproduction, and "gender-affirming health care services," which encompasses medical care for gender dysphoria. It modifies existing statutes by repealing certain sections and replacing them with updated language that clarifies the rights of individuals facing legal judgments in other states related to these services. Notably, the bill allows individuals to recover damages from parties that brought actions against them for providing or receiving such services, regardless of the patient's location at the time of service. Additionally, it enhances confidentiality protections by prohibiting the disclosure of patient information without explicit written consent and mandates that subpoenas for patient information be reported to the Attorney General's office.

The bill also includes significant amendments to the eligibility and disciplinary actions related to health care providers. It stipulates that the Department of Public Health cannot deny permits or licenses based on pending disciplinary actions from other jurisdictions if those actions are solely related to reproductive or gender-affirming health care services that are legal in Connecticut. Furthermore, it repeals and replaces sections that define credentialing processes, ensuring that institutions cannot take adverse actions against providers based solely on their involvement in these services, provided they comply with state law. The bill also clarifies that gender-affirming health care does not include practices aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity for minors, commonly referred to as "conversion therapy." Overall, the bill seeks to create a supportive legal framework for individuals seeking or providing reproductive and gender-affirming health care in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 52-571m, 52-146w, 20-579a, 52-155a, 54-155a
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 52-571m, 52-146w, 20-579a, 52-155a, 54-155a
File No. 769: 52-571m, 52-146w, 20-579a, 52-155a, 54-155a