Substitute House Bill No. 7213, also known as Public Act No. 25-28, establishes new provisions regarding access to reproductive health care for minor children. The bill defines key terms such as "health care provider," "minor child," and "physician," and specifies that services related to pregnancy and pregnancy prevention include contraceptive counseling, prenatal care, and pain management during labor, but explicitly excludes sterilization. Importantly, the bill allows any minor child to consent to these services without the need for parental or guardian consent or notification.

Additionally, the bill mandates that health care providers cannot disclose any information regarding the provision of these services to a minor child, including billing information, without the minor's express consent. It also clarifies that parents or guardians who are not informed about the services provided to their minor child will not be held liable for the costs associated with those services. The legislation does not alter any existing obligations for health care providers to report to the Department of Public Health or Children and Families as required by state law.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 688: