Bill > SB352

This bill expands anti-discrimination protections in health care and health insurance across Nevada by prohibiting discrimination based on a broader range of "protected characteristics" beyond gender identity. The bill specifically amends several existing statutes to include race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, sex characteristics, intersex traits, pregnancy, and gender identity as protected characteristics. Health insurers, including those offering individual, group, and Medicaid plans, would be prohibited from denying, cancelling, or limiting coverage based on these characteristics. The bill also adds a new section to Nevada law that prevents health care providers from discriminating against patients based on these protected characteristics, and allows health care licensing boards to adopt regulations specifying types of prohibited discrimination. Providers who violate these provisions could face disciplinary action, though the bill includes exceptions for maintaining reasonable medical standards and uniform policies. The new provisions would become fully effective on January 1, 2026, giving organizations time to prepare for implementation.