Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H2361

Introduced
2/27/25  

Caption

Relative to ensuring quality healthcare for children

Impact

If enacted, HB 2361 would significantly alter the landscape of parental rights concerning children's healthcare by reinforcing the notion that parents should have greater oversight of their children's medical records. This aligns with ongoing discussions about the importance of parental involvement in health decisions for minors, particularly in managing health-related issues that may affect a child's well-being. However, the bill also introduces a layer of complexity regarding confidentiality, especially for sensitive health issues that minors may face, which is at the heart of the debate surrounding this bill.

Summary

House Bill 2361, titled 'An Act relative to ensuring quality healthcare for children,' seeks to amend existing Massachusetts law regarding parental access to medical records for minors under 16 years of age. Specifically, the bill proposes that parents or guardians should have the right to inspect all medical records of their children without requiring explicit consent, with certain exceptions. These exceptions include records involving family planning services, gender-affirming health care, substance use treatment, sexually transmitted disease treatment, pregnancy-related treatment, and mental health treatment. The bill aims to enhance transparency and ensure parents remain informed about their children’s health care.

Contention

Opposition to the bill may stem from concerns about children's confidentiality and autonomy in sensitive medical matters. Critics argue that while parental involvement is crucial, overriding a child's right to privacy in specific health issues—like mental health and reproductive services—could have adverse effects. The delineation of what constitutes 'sensitive' medical treatment necessitates careful consideration, as it could lead to vulnerable youths being discouraged from seeking necessary care for fear of parental knowledge. Balancing parental rights with the protection of minors' health privacy remains a contentious point in the discussions surrounding HB 2361.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MA S604

Ensuring access to healthcare and medically necessary food for children

MA S2355

Relative to ensuring equity in healthcare access for veterans

MA H146

Ensuring access to behavioral health services for children involved with state agencies

MA S72

Ensuring access to behavioral health services for children involved with state agencies

MA H585

Requiring a mental health wellness examination for all school children

MA H523

Relative to educational equity for gifted and beyond grade-level children

MA H4066

Relative to pharmacists as healthcare providers

MA H566

Ensuring high quality pre-kindergarten education

MA S2118

Relative to ensuring gas safety and consumer fairness

MA S264

Ensuring high quality pre-kindergarten education

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.