State Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, R-Henderson, held a press conference Wednesday to introduce House Bill 519, which she titled the “Parents’ Medical Bill of Rights.” If enacted, it would grant parents more insight into their child’s health by repealing existing laws that grant the child privacy in some circumstances.
Critics of the bill fear that minors won’t seek out the help they need if they know their parents will accompany them to the examination room or have access to their medical records.
Under current law, minors can consent to some medical care — treating sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, mental health, and substance abuse — without needing approval from their parents.
