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HB 400

HEALTH/CHILDREN: Provides relative to a minor's consent for medical procedures and treatments

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Chenevert and 1 co-sponsor

Louisiana HB 400 expands minors' independent medical decision-making authority by allowing consent to certain procedures without parental involvement, passing the House 83-9.

Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Health and Welfare.
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Bill Summary · HB 400

Legislative bill overview

HB 400 modifies Louisiana law regarding minors' ability to consent to medical procedures and treatments without parental involvement. The bill has passed the House with strong bipartisan support (83-9) and is currently under Senate review in the Health and Welfare Committee.

Why is this important

This legislation affects healthcare access for minors in Louisiana by potentially expanding or restricting circumstances where young people can make independent medical decisions. Such laws directly impact teenagers' ability to obtain care for sensitive health matters and reflect broader policy debates about parental rights versus medical autonomy.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of procedures covered: Unclear which specific medical treatments the bill permits minors to consent to independently, raising questions about reproductive health, mental health services, and vaccinations
  • Parental notification vs. consent: Whether the law requires parental notification (informing parents) versus consent (obtaining permission), affecting family dynamics and privacy concerns
  • Age thresholds: Whether consent rights apply uniformly to all minors or vary by age, with significant differences in developmental capacity between young teens and those near 18

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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