This bill introduces new provisions that allow birth mothers to opt out of sharing specific personal information from their birth worksheets with state agencies, thereby enhancing their privacy rights. It requires that birth mothers receive written notice explaining how their information will be shared with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and other state agencies. If a birth mother chooses to limit the disclosure of her information, this decision will be documented in her medical record, and all personal identifiers will be redacted before any statistical data is shared. The bill also mandates that the DHHS and the Division of Vital Records revise their memorandum of understanding by November 1, 2026, to ensure compliance with these new privacy provisions.

Additionally, the bill amends current law regarding the collection of vital records data, specifically addressing the information provided by birth mothers. The existing law categorizes instances where birth mothers refuse to provide information as "not known," "not available," or "refused to provide." The new legal language aims to enhance the Office of Health Equity's ability to analyze disparities related to youth, children, and birth, particularly concerning geographic factors. While the bill does not allocate funding or authorize new positions, it may have indeterminable fiscal impacts and could jeopardize federal funding for health programs if the DHHS cannot meet grant requirements due to limited access to vital records data.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5-C:19, 126:24-cc