Bill > SB547

This bill amends Oklahoma law to expand and clarify the circumstances under which minors can consent to medical services without parental permission. The bill maintains existing provisions allowing minors to self-consent in situations such as being married, having a dependent child, being emancipated, being pregnant, dealing with communicable diseases, substance abuse, or requiring emergency services. The bill adds gender-neutral language throughout the text (using "his or her" instead of just "his") and introduces new provisions regarding medical record access. Specifically, it establishes that parents or legal guardians generally have the right to access a minor's medical records, with exceptions for certain sensitive situations like sexual assault, cases involving potential parental criminal investigations, or instances where law prohibits such access. The bill protects healthcare professionals from liability when providing services in good faith based on a minor's representation, and it ensures that information obtained during medical treatment remains confidential unless specific legal requirements or public health concerns necessitate disclosure. The law is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, and aims to balance minor patients' privacy and healthcare needs with parental rights and oversight.

Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb547&Session=2600