AUGUSTA - On Tuesday, the Maine House of Representatives enacted LD 956, sponsored by Rep. Ambureen Rana, D-Bangor, which would require health care facilities to collect patient data related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
"Collecting sexual orientation and gender identity data in health care facilities is vital for patients to make informed decisions with their providers about their bodies and their health," said Rana. "This data is relevant to our care because it affects what care we might need, and it is critical to forming a trusting and positive relationship with providers."
The federal Uniform Data System, an annual reporting system that provides standardized information about the performance and operation of health centers delivering health care services to underserved communities and vulnerable populations, has included sexual orientation and gender identity data since 2016. Under this proposed legislation, data collected from patients will remain confidential. While health care facilities would be required to incorporate these questions on their intake forms, patients are not required to answer them.
The bill faces additional votes in the coming weeks.
Rana is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents House District 21, which includes a portion of Bangor. She serves on the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Taxation and the Joint Select Committee on Housing.