This bill introduces provisions that allow birth mothers to opt out of sharing specific personal information from their birth worksheets with state agencies, particularly the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). It requires that birth mothers receive written notice about how their information will be shared and the purposes for such sharing. If a birth mother decides to limit the disclosure of her personal information, this choice will be documented in her medical record, and all personal identifiers will be redacted before any statistical information is shared with the DHHS. Additionally, the bill mandates that the DHHS and the Division of Vital Records amend their memorandum of understanding to ensure that only the minimum necessary personal information is shared, and that notice and consent requirements are implemented.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the memorandum of understanding must be updated by November 1, 2026, to reflect these changes. It also proposes amendments to current law regarding the collection of vital records data, particularly focusing on the information provided by birth mothers on birth worksheets. The existing law (RSA 5-C:19, VII) outlines procedures for instances where birth mothers refuse to provide certain information, categorizing such omissions 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, especially concerning geographic factors. The bill does not specify immediate fiscal impacts, but it notes potential future implications after FY 2025, particularly regarding federal funding for health programs reliant on access to vital records data.

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