This bill introduces stringent regulations on breast surgeries and gender surgeries for minors, specifically prohibiting transgender chest surgeries for individuals under 18 years of age. The new legal language stipulates that breast surgeries are only permissible for treating malignancy, injury, infection, or malformation, and reconstructive surgeries following these treatments. Violations of these provisions are classified as unprofessional conduct, allowing minors to seek legal recourse. Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws by replacing "genital gender reassignment surgery" with "gender surgery," which prohibits such surgeries on minors except for reconstructive purposes related to malignancy or physical disease. The bill also mandates the collection and reporting of abortion statistics by healthcare providers, replacing previous provisions regarding abortion rights.

Furthermore, HB 712-FN aims to enhance the quality of care in licensed residential care facilities by making quality assurance programs mandatory rather than voluntary. It expands the scope of investigations by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to include licensed agencies and facilities providing services beyond room and board. The bill introduces new requirements for reporting and posting investigation results on the DHHS website to ensure transparency. It also modifies the Patients' Bill of Rights to apply to a broader range of care settings. The bill anticipates an increase in civil litigation involving claims under $10,000, with potential fiscal impacts expected to materialize after FY 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 332-M:2, 332-M:3, 332-M:4
As Amended by the House: 332-M:2, 332-M:3, 332-M:4
As Amended by the Senate: 332-M:2, 332-M:3, 332-M:4, 151:5-c, 151:6, 151:6-a, 151:16-b, 151:21, 151:50
Version adopted by both bodies: 332-M:2, 332-M:3, 332-M:4, 151:5-c, 151:6, 151:6-a, 151:16-b, 151:21, 151:50
HB712 text: 332-M:2, 332-M:3, 332-M:4