Parents informed only if child is hospitalized
by Tim Page
A Senate bill introduced on April 27 would allow 12-year-olds to request medical care to prevent STDs, without parental consent.
S.151 would “allow a minor 12 years of age or older to consent to medical care for the prevention of a sexually transmitted infection,” which would further remove parents from direct involvement in the health and wellbeing of their children.
The bill would require informing parents only if hospitalization is needed: “The physician shall notify the parent, parents, or legal guardian of the minor if the condition of the minor child requires immediate hospitalization for treatment of the sexually transmitted infection.”
The bill would also ”require the Green Mountain Care Board to review health care contracts and fee schedules between health plans and health care providers to increase transparency in health care,” “increase primary care payments and spending and provide an exemption from prior authorization requirements,” and “adjust the age at which an individual’s colorectal cancer screenings are covered by health insurance.” In addition it “makes certain temporary prohibitions on pharmacy benefit managers permanent,” “modifies the nomination and appointment process for members of the Green Mountain Care Board,” “adds new filing and reporting requirements for health insurers,” and “would require the Department of Financial Regulation to submit an analysis to the Green Mountain Care Board regarding hospital budget proposals.”
The bill was sponsored by Sen. Virginia Lyons (D-Chittenden Southeast) and was referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare, which she chairs.