This bill amends various sections of Oklahoma law related to health care, specifically focusing on the rights of minors and their parents or legal guardians regarding medical confidentiality and consent. It establishes that minors under eighteen years of age do not have the privilege to refuse disclosure of confidential communications to their parents or guardians. Additionally, it grants parents or guardians the right to be present during consultations with health professionals and to access their minor child's health records, except in cases where there are allegations of child abuse or neglect. The bill also modifies the conditions under which minors can consent to health services, ensuring that parental involvement is prioritized while still allowing for certain exceptions.
Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the Attorney General to take action against violations of these rights, allowing for recovery of damages and attorney fees. It abolishes certain immunities to facilitate these actions and updates statutory language to be more inclusive and gender-neutral. The effective date for these changes is set for November 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to balance the confidentiality rights of minors with the rights of parents and guardians to be involved in their children's health care decisions.