This bill amends existing laws regarding the collection of demographic information, specifically focusing on the sexual orientation and gender identity of minor patients in general acute care hospitals and clinical laboratories. It stipulates that these facilities shall not collect or request such data from patients under the age of 18 unless voluntarily provided by the patient or their parent/guardian. The data collected will be strictly used for medical diagnosis and treatment purposes only. Additionally, the bill mandates that electronic medical records and laboratory information management systems be configured to not require the selection of a minor's gender identity and sexual orientation to save or store their demographic information.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of cultural competency training for hospital staff who interact with patients and collect demographic data. It requires that these staff members complete a training program that covers various aspects of collecting sensitive information in a culturally competent manner. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of clinical laboratories in recording demographic data and includes provisions for penalties against vendors of electronic medical records systems that fail to comply with the new requirements. Overall, the intent of the bill is to protect the privacy of minor patients while ensuring that necessary demographic information can still be collected when appropriate.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2H-5.36, 45:9-42.46, 45:9-42.47