Bill > HB1665

This bill establishes new regulations for healthcare providers in Tennessee concerning inquiries made to minors about their gender identity. Specifically, a healthcare provider is prohibited from asking a minor questions about whether they feel normal in their body, believe they are the correct gender, identify as a different gender than their sex, or any other question intended to elicit statements about gender identity, confusion, or dysphoria, unless the minor's parent is physically present, fully informed, and provides written consent, and the question is directly related to diagnosing or treating a specific medical or psychological condition. The bill also mandates that parents have full access to all forms and assessments given to their minor children and prohibits private interviews with minors about gender identity unless the provider reasonably believes the minor is a victim of trafficking, brutality, abuse, or neglect and needs to make a report. Furthermore, health insurance issuers and managed care organizations are prohibited from requiring healthcare providers to ask these specific gender-related questions as a condition of payment or participation, and insurers cannot penalize providers for not asking them. Violations by healthcare providers are considered unprofessional conduct subject to disciplinary action by licensing boards, while violations by insurers are deemed unfair or deceptive trade practices. The bill defines "healthcare provider" broadly and clarifies what constitutes a "minor" and a "parent" for the purposes of these regulations, with exceptions for emancipated minors, those needing emergency treatment, or those who are members of the armed forces. This legislation aims to ensure parents are informed and involved in their minor children's healthcare decisions regarding sensitive gender-related topics.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1665&ga=114