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Bill

HB 478

Minors; prohibit health care providers and institutions from providing health care to without parental consent.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lee Yancey

Mississippi bill would require parental consent for all minor health care, potentially restricting adolescents' current independent access to sensitive medical services and complicating emergency care.

Referred To Public Health and Human Services
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Bill Summary · HB 478

Legislative bill overview

HB 478 would require parental consent for all health care provided to minors in Mississippi, eliminating independent decision-making authority for minors in medical settings. The bill appears to apply broadly across all health care contexts, from routine care to emergency situations.

Why is this important

This legislation would fundamentally alter the legal framework governing minors' medical autonomy and parental rights. It directly impacts how health care providers manage care for adolescents, particularly regarding sensitive health issues where minors currently have independent rights under state or federal law.

Potential points of contention

  • Conflict with existing exceptions: Mississippi and federal law already permit minors to access certain care independently (STI treatment, contraception, mental health services in some contexts), creating legal conflicts and implementation questions
  • Emergency care complications: Requiring parental consent in all situations could delay time-sensitive emergency medical treatment when parents are unavailable
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language "prohibit health care providers...from providing health care...without parental consent" is extraordinarily broad—it's unclear whether routine appointments, vaccines, or prescriptions all require consent or if exceptions exist
  • Teen reproductive and mental health access: Significantly restricts minors' current independent access to confidential services, with unknown public health consequences

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

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