AUGUSTA - On Monday, Gov. Janet Mills signed into law LD 956, sponsored by Rep. Ambureen Rana, D-Bangor, which will 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 a big step forward for our LGBTQ+ community members whose health will be better served by having the opportunity to answer questions that give a full picture of their lives," said Rana.
The federal Uniform Data System, which annually 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 LD 956, health care facilities would be required to incorporate these questions on their intake forms. Patients are not required to answer them. Data collected from patients will remain confidential.
The bill will go into effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session.
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.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Rana], 305-965-2744