House Bill No. 836, introduced by Representative Chenevert, amends existing laws regarding minors' consent for medical procedures and treatments in Louisiana. The bill mandates that informed, written consent from a parent or legal guardian is required for all medical and mental health services provided to minors until they reach the age of 17. It outlines specific exceptions where minors can consent to their own medical care, including situations involving military service, emancipation, pregnancy, substance misuse treatment, sexually transmitted disease treatment, blood donation, and cases where abuse or neglect is suspected. Additionally, the bill implies consent for emergency medical treatment for minors under 18.

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

Statutes affected:
HB775 Original: 40:1(A)(1)
HB775 Engrossed: 40:1(B)(2)