Healthcare (Children's Health)

SB 2485, the Parents' Bill of Rights Act, requires written parental consent for most healthcare services provided to minors in Rhode Island, including medical procedures and prescriptions, with exceptions for abortions and certain clinical lab services. It mandates that schools and healthcare providers notify parents about their children's health and well-being information, grant parents access to school and medical records (except in limited circumstances like ongoing investigations), and prohibit institutions from withholding such information without justification. The bill also establishes parental rights to direct education, moral training, school enrollment choices, and consent for biometric data, DNA collection, or recordings of minors. It applies directly to parents, public and private schools, healthcare providers, and government entities handling minors' affairs. The legislation does not override court orders in child welfare cases or permit unlawful parental conduct.