AUGUSTA - Rep. Ambureen Rana, D-Bangor, introduced legislation Tuesday that would require health care facilities to collect patient data related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
"Sexual orientation and gender identity are fundamental parts of who we are, and sharing this information in health care settings helps build trust with providers," said Rana. "When providers are trusted, their services are utilized and more people get the care they need."
A 2021 community survey conducted by MaineTransNet found that only 35% of transgender patients indicated they were asked about their gender identity during intake into primary care, urgent care and emergency settings. Further, the study found that fear of misgendering and discrimination was a leading reason why transgender community members avoided seeking health care when they needed it, or never returned to a provider.
"I proposed this legislation, in part, because of my past work and my understanding that collecting sexual orientation and gender identity data in health care settings is vital to help make diagnoses and, overall, provides a better patient experience, especially as it relates to our transgender community members," said Rana.
The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks.
Rana is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents House District 21, which is home to many of Bangor's service providers, tent cities, homeless shelters and warming shelters. 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