Bill > SB2020

This bill strengthens parental rights by modifying existing laws to grant parents and legal guardians greater access to their minor children's information and involvement in their care. Specifically, it amends laws concerning physician and psychotherapist-patient privilege to allow parents or legal guardians access to confidential communications between their minor children and these professionals, except in cases of alleged child abuse or neglect. It also expands the "Parents' Bill of Rights" to explicitly grant parents the right to be present during meetings or consultations between health professionals and their minor children, and to receive copies of records, with exceptions for situations involving allegations of child abuse, neglect, or battery. Furthermore, the bill allows parents to file civil lawsuits against individuals or entities that violate these parental rights, seeking damages and legal fees. It also modifies disclosure requirements for licensed professional counselors and behavioral practitioners, generally requiring parental consent for minors under eighteen to access services or for their information to be disclosed, unless the minor is a victim of a crime or there's a danger to health. Finally, it revises provisions regarding a minor's ability to consent to medical services, emphasizing the need for parental consent for most services and granting parents broad access to their minor children's medical records, with specific exceptions for situations like suspected abuse or neglect.

Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb2020&Session=2600