The "Help Not Harm Act" is a legislative proposal focused on regulating healthcare for minors in relation to gender identity treatments. The bill prohibits healthcare providers from administering surgeries and hormone therapies to children whose gender identity does not align with their biological sex. It establishes a civil cause of action against providers who violate these provisions, allowing parents and affected individuals to seek damages, injunctive relief, and attorney fees. Additionally, the act restricts state funding for gender transition treatments and mandates professional discipline for providers who engage in such practices. It also amends existing laws to classify violations of this act as unprofessional conduct for physicians, which could lead to license revocation, and specifies that professional liability insurance cannot cover damages from treatments provided in violation of the act.
Moreover, the bill updates definitions related to professional services and healthcare entities in Kansas law, clarifying terms such as "Advertisement," "Licensee," and "Health care entity." It defines "Significant investment interest" to indicate ownership thresholds for healthcare entities. The bill also repeals K.S.A. 65-2837 and changes the publication requirement for the act's effectiveness from the "statute book" to the "Kansas register," aiming to modernize the legal framework surrounding healthcare services and professional licensing in Kansas.
Statutes affected: As introduced: 65-2837
As Amended by House Committee: 65-2837