House Bill No. 400 amends existing Louisiana law regarding a minor's consent for medical procedures and treatments. The bill mandates that informed, written consent from a person lawfully exercising parental authority is required for all medical and mental health services provided to minors until they reach the age of 17. It also outlines specific exceptions where minors can consent to their own medical care, including situations involving military service, emancipation, pregnancy, treatment for substance misuse, sexually transmitted diseases, blood donation, signs of abuse or neglect, and voluntary admission to treatment facilities. Additionally, the bill implies consent for emergency medical treatment for minors under 18.

The bill repeals several existing provisions that previously allowed minors to consent to medical care without parental approval, including those related to drug addiction and preventive counseling in schools. It also ensures that parents or guardians have access to their minor children's medical records and protects healthcare providers from civil or criminal liability when acting in accordance with the new consent requirements. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen parental involvement in minors' healthcare decisions while still allowing for necessary exceptions.

Statutes affected:
HB400 Original:
HB400 Engrossed: 40:1(A)(1)
HB400 Reengrossed: 40:1(A)(1)