MY TURN: Senate Bill 1329 impacts minors' health care

As families across Idaho gear up for summer adventures, I'm compelled to address a legislative change that will impact pediatric health care access that started July 1. Senate Bill 1329 warrants our attention.

This new law increases parental involvement in minors' health care. While parental consent is crucial, the scope of this legislation extends its impact across all health care services, including physical therapists, counselors and chiropractors, etc.; not just doctors. 

The repercussions for non-compliance with the law are severe, including jail time. This measure has instilled fear among health care providers, leading many to limiting services for minors altogether. Consequently, adolescents may experience a loss of autonomy in their health care. 

The law's requirements will have had a chilling effect on community-oriented sports games and educational gatherings. This withdrawal eliminates valuable community interactions.  

Mental health and substance abuse screening is most effective when a parent is absent. We must work together to ensure all children must continue to receive effective mental health screening and services under this new law.

Recognizing these challenges, health care entities across Idaho are striving to streamline the parental consent process. Efforts are underway to ensure that parents are informed. However, the implementation of the law requires flexibility from parents and health care providers. 

Idahoans need to monitor the negative impacts from this new law. If you observe instances where minors are denied access to necessary health care services, I encourage you to engage with your legislators. While the intent behind the legislation is good, any law that hampers patient-provider relationships can cause unintended harm. 

So, as we enter summer with excitement, let's work together to ensure that minors in Idaho receive the care they need.  

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Crystal Pyrak, MD, is a family physician practicing in Coeur d’Alene and the board president of the Idaho Academy of Family Physicians. She is a graduate of the University of Washington’s WWAMI School of Medicine and completed her residency training in Idaho. She is also a parent and cares for many patients that are minors.