Senate Bill 207: Law Or Not?

Senate Bill 207 has been introduced in various US states, including California, Michigan, and Utah, as well as at the federal level. The content of the bill differs depending on the location and year. For example, the 2023 Michigan Senate Bill 207 pertains to civil rights and housing discrimination, while the 2020 California Senate Bill 207 is about elections, voter registration, and partisan primary elections. On the other hand, the 2021 federal Senate Bill 207, also known as the Parental Right to Know Act, focuses on parental access to the medical records of minors. To determine whether a specific Senate Bill 207 became law, it is essential to specify the location and year in question.

Senate Bill 207, Parental Right to Know Act, was introduced in the Senate on February 3, 2021

On February 3, 2021, Senate Bill 207, also known as the Parental Right to Know Act, was introduced in the Senate. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah, and co-sponsored by Sens. Thomas Tillis, Mike Braun, James Lankford, and Kevin Cramer. The bill aimed to amend titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act to require hospitals and certain other participating providers under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to disclose their policies on parental access to the medical records of minors.

The Parental Right to Know Act sought to expand the scope of advance directive policies and related disclosures for providers under Medicaid and CHIP. Specifically, providers such as hospitals, hospice programs, and home health care providers would be required to have advance directive policies for minors, rather than only adults. This would give parents or guardians access to their child's medical records and ensure they are informed about their child's health and well-being.

The bill was referred to the Committee on Finance for further review and consideration. It is important to note that as of the last update on May 30, 2023, the bill was still in the first stage of the legislative process. For a bill to become a law, it must be passed by both the House and the Senate in identical form and then be signed by the President. Senate Bill 207 had a 4% chance of being enacted, according to Skopos Labs.

The Parental Right to Know Act was likely inspired by the case of Jaime Avalos from Houston, who faced a months-long plight that brought attention to the importance of parental access to a minor's medical records. While it is unclear what the specific circumstances were, it brought to light the need for legislation that ensures parents have the right to know and be involved in their child's medical care.

As of December 7, 2024, there is another mention of Senate Bill 207 on the Library of Congress website, but it is unclear if this is the same bill or a different one from a subsequent congressional session. It is important to note that bill numbers can restart every two years, so multiple bills with the same number may exist.

The bill amends titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act

Senate Bill 207, also known as the Parental Right to Know Act, proposes an amendment to titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act. The bill seeks to expand the scope of advance directive policies and related disclosures for providers under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

The proposed amendment in Senate Bill 207 aims to address the issue of parental access to medical records of minors. Specifically, providers such as hospitals, hospice programs, and home healthcare providers would be required to have advance directive policies for minors, rather than only adults. Additionally, these providers would need to disclose their policies regarding parental access to a minor's medical records.

The bill seeks to give parents the right to know and be involved in their minor child's medical decisions and treatment. It ensures that parents have access to their child's medical records and are informed about any advance directives or policies that may impact their child's healthcare. This amendment is designed to enhance parental involvement and protect the best interests of minors receiving medical care.

It expands the scope of advance directive policies and disclosures for providers under Medicaid and CHIP

Senate Bill 207, also known as the Parental Right to Know Act, was introduced in the Senate on February 3, 2021, by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT). The bill aims to expand the scope of advance directive policies and related disclosures for providers under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Currently, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Finance for further review and discussion. If enacted, the bill would require providers, including hospitals, hospice programs, and home health care providers, to implement advance directive policies for minors, rather than solely for adults.

This expansion of advance directive policies ensures that parents or legal guardians of minors are actively involved in the medical decision-making process. It grants them access to their child's medical records, enabling them to make informed choices regarding their child's healthcare. This proposed legislation is a significant step towards recognising and strengthening the rights of parents and guardians in the context of their children's medical treatment.

In addition to expanding the scope of advance directive policies, the bill also addresses the disclosure of provider policies. Healthcare providers will be mandated to disclose their policies on parental access to a minor's medical records. This transparency will empower parents to understand their rights and actively participate in their child's healthcare journey.

The Parental Right to Know Act underscores the importance of parental involvement in minor's healthcare decisions. By expanding the scope of advance directive policies and enhancing disclosure requirements, the bill seeks to strike a balance between medical professionalism and parental authority, ultimately prioritising the best interests of minors.

Providers must have advance directive policies for minors and disclose policies on parental access to medical records

Senate Bill 207, also known as the Parental Right to Know Act, was introduced in the Senate on February 3, 2021, by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT). This bill aims to amend titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act to expand the scope of advance directive policies and related disclosures for providers under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Currently, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Finance for further review. If it passes the Senate, it will move to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The bill specifically targets providers such as hospitals, hospice programs, and home healthcare providers, requiring them to implement advance directive policies for minors, rather than solely focusing on adults. This shift ensures that minors' medical wishes are considered and respected in the event they are unable to make decisions for themselves.

Additionally, providers must be transparent about their policies regarding parental access to their child's medical records. This disclosure empowers parents to understand their rights and actively participate in their child's healthcare journey.

The bill's proponents argue that it strengthens parental rights and ensures that parents can make informed decisions about their children's healthcare. It also promotes transparency and accountability among healthcare providers.

However, critics might argue that this bill could potentially infringe on minors' privacy and autonomy, especially in cases where family dynamics are complex or strained.

The bill was referred to the Committee on Finance

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Additionally, the committee serves as a watchdog to ensure that financial decisions align with the organization's strategic plan and mission. They monitor expenses to ensure they are directed towards the organization's primary objectives, rather than peripheral issues. The committee also evaluates the performance of the financial staff and makes recommendations to the board regarding hiring, retention, or dismissal.

Moreover, the committee plays a key role in the annual audit process. They work with the auditors and the financial staff to facilitate the audit, address any issues identified, and develop corrective action plans. The committee also evaluates the auditors' performance and makes recommendations regarding their retention.

Lastly, the committee acts as a liaison between the board and the financial operation, providing simplified financial information and explanations to the board. They ensure that board members understand the financial situation and can make informed decisions. The committee also suggests changes to fiscal policies or bylaws to improve the organization's financial position and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

The Committee on Finance, therefore, plays a critical role in financial management, oversight, and accountability, ensuring the organization's financial health and stability.

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