Bill > SB958

This bill modifies several Oklahoma statutes to grant more rights and protections to parents and legal guardians regarding their minor children's healthcare interactions. Specifically, the bill eliminates certain confidentiality privileges for minors under 18, allowing parents and legal guardians to access their child's medical records and be present during medical consultations, with an exception for cases involving alleged parental child abuse or neglect. The legislation changes existing laws for physicians, psychotherapists, counselors, and behavioral practitioners to require parental consent for most medical services for minors, restricting a minor's ability to independently seek healthcare. The bill narrows the circumstances under which minors can self-consent to medical services, now limiting such instances to specific scenarios like being married, pregnant, dealing with communicable diseases, or experiencing substance abuse. Notably, the bill explicitly prohibits abortion-related services for minors and allows the Attorney General to bring suit on behalf of parents who believe their rights have been violated, with provisions for potential financial relief and the waiving of certain legal immunities. The new law is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, and represents a significant shift in how minors' healthcare interactions are managed in Oklahoma.

Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb958&Session=2600