Two Oklahoma senators, Randy Grellner, R-Cushing, and Julie McIntosh, R-Porter, opposed a new health privacy rule from the Biden Administration during a statement on Wednesday. The rule, which took effect on Tuesday, alters Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act guidelines by restricting parental access to the medical records of minors aged 13 and older. Under the new rule, minors must designate a medical proxy to grant access to their health information, according to the Oklahoma Senate.
As reported by the Oklahoma Senate, Grellner and McIntosh raised concerns about a proposed rule that they believe could harm minor patients and limit parents' ability to make informed decisions regarding their children's health care. They also warned that the rule might hinder physicians in delivering optimal care due to incomplete information. Grellner stated, "How can parents protect their children and ensure their safety if they are kept in the dark about their medical care?"
Senators Grellner and McIntosh have advocated for parents' rights in medical decisions for adolescents. McIntosh filed Senate Bill 958, and Grellner supported Senate Bill 547, which passed out of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee but did not reach a floor hearing. To address a federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act rule, Grellner requested the Senate Pro Tempore consult with the attorney general about filing an injunction. The senators also spoke with the governor about blocking the rule. "Now is the time for Republicans to take action to block this unnecessary rule from hurting Oklahoma families," they told Oklahoma Senate.
