House Bill 1665 aims to enhance the protection of minors in healthcare settings by prohibiting healthcare providers from asking certain questions related to gender identity without parental consent. The bill introduces a new section, 56-7-1022, which prohibits health insurance issuers and managed care organizations from requiring providers to ask these sensitive questions as a condition for payment or participation. Additionally, it establishes that insurers cannot penalize providers for not asking such questions. The bill also amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 47-18-104(b), to include violations of this new section as unfair or deceptive acts.

Furthermore, the bill outlines specific prohibited conduct for healthcare providers under a new part in Title 63, which includes inquiries about a minor's feelings regarding their body or gender identity. It emphasizes that parents have the right to make healthcare decisions for their minor children and mandates that parents have access to all forms presented to their children in healthcare settings. The bill also clarifies that private interviews about gender-related topics can only occur under certain conditions, such as when a provider suspects abuse or neglect. Violations of these provisions are classified as unprofessional conduct, subject to disciplinary action by licensing boards. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 47-18-104(b), 47-18-104