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 prohibits these institutions from collecting or requesting such data from patients under the age of 18 unless voluntarily provided by the patient or their parent or guardian. The bill emphasizes that any voluntarily provided data must be used solely for medical diagnosis and treatment purposes. Additionally, it mandates that electronic medical records and laboratory information management systems be configured to not require a selection for a minor's gender identity and sexual orientation in order to save or store their demographic information.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the requirements for cultural competency training programs for hospital staff responsible for collecting demographic data, ensuring that they are trained to do so in a culturally sensitive manner. It also specifies that clinical laboratories must electronically record demographic information for patients with non-electronic orders, while still adhering to the new restrictions for minors. The bill aims to enhance the protection of minor patients' privacy while ensuring that healthcare providers can still discuss and record necessary information for effective care.

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