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Bill

Bill

S 3357

Relates to prohibiting any substituted consent for a sterilization procedure

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gustavo Rivera

Prohibits substituted or surrogate consent for sterilization, ensuring the decision is made directly by the individual undergoing the procedure.

REFERRED TO HEALTH
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Bill Summary · S 3357

Summary of S 3357 — Relates to prohibiting any substituted consent for a sterilization procedure

Overview

S 3357 is a bill introduced in January 2025 that aims to prohibit substituted consent for any sterilization procedure. The bill is currently referred to the Health committee. The sponsor is Senator Gustavo Rivera (primary). A companion bill exists in a related chamber (Assembly), indicating cross-chamber interest in this policy area.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim is to protect patient autonomy by ensuring that sterilization decisions are made directly by the individual who would undergo the procedure, without reliance on substituted or surrogate consent.
  • By prohibiting substituted consent, the bill seeks to reduce the potential for coercion or inappropriate licensing of decisions about sterilization.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the bill’s stated purpose)

  • Prohibition on substituted consent for any sterilization procedure. The bill would bar reliance on a surrogate, proxy, or substitute decision maker to authorize sterilization.
  • Emphasis on ensuring that consent for sterilization is obtained directly from the patient (i.e., the person undergoing the procedure).
  • While the exact statutory text is not provided here, the measure likely establishes standards for obtaining consent that affirm the patient’s voluntary, informed decision.

Note: Specific definitions (e.g., what constitutes a sterilization procedure, how capacity is assessed, consent documentation requirements, and any exceptions) are not detailed in the provided summary. The final bill text would clarify these elements.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Individuals seeking sterilization procedures: heightened protection of personal autonomy and consent.
  • Healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics: potential changes to consent workflows and documentation practices to ensure compliance with direct patient consent.
  • Health systems and insurers: may incur administrative changes to align with new consent standards and potential impact on approval or coverage processes.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction: January 27, 2025.
  • Legislative Action: Referred to Health in both noted entries on January 27, 2025 (the actions appear twice in the record).
  • Status: Referred to Health committee (indicating the bill is at the committee review stage and has not yet moved to floor consideration).

Related Legislation

  • S 9116 (prior-session): A related Senate measure from a prior session.
  • A 1582 (companion): Assembly companion bill, indicating parallel consideration in the other chamber.

Summary takeaway

S 3357 would strengthen patient consent protections by banning substituted consent for sterilization, directing that such crucial decisions be made directly by the individual considering sterilization. The bill is in the early stages of the legislative process, with referral to the Health committee and no further action yet noted in the provided record.

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

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