Bill > LD1945

This bill clarifies data collection processes for sexual orientation and gender identity in health care facilities in Maine. Specifically, the bill modifies existing law to require health care facilities (excluding pharmacies) to collect sexual orientation and gender identity data only from individuals who are 19 years of age or older, when demographic information is being collected. The individual has the option to decline answering these questions. The collected data will become part of the individual's electronic health record and is subject to existing confidentiality requirements. The bill removes language specifying the exact data elements to be collected, which were previously tied to federal Health Resources and Services Administration standards from 2016. The change provides more flexibility in data collection while ensuring that such sensitive information is collected with the individual's consent and only from adult patients. This modification aims to standardize and protect the collection of demographic data in health care settings, respecting patient privacy and choice.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1945&snum=132