HB 1376 removes current child abuse and neglect statutory language stating that it is the intent of the legislature that a person, who in good faith, is provided with Christian Science treatment by an accredited Christian Science practitioner, will not be considered to have been deprived of medically necessary health care or abandoned.
This bill also amends the definition of Practitioner of the Healing Arts by removing the language that states that a person who is being furnished Christian Science treatment by a duly accredited Christian Science practitioner will not be considered, for that reason alone, a neglected person for the purposes of this chapter.
Additionally, the definition of negligent treatment or maltreatment is amended and adds that: Under this chapter, health care decisions made in reliance on faith-based practices do not in and of themselves constitute as negligent treatment or maltreatment unless the decision poses a clear danger to the health, welfare, or safety of the child.