HB 1476 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. Further, the bill amends the definition of Practitioner of the healing arts by removing the language that (again) 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. These changes repeal religious exemptions to criminal mistreatment and child abuse reporting laws, making Christian Science treatment a legal substitute for necessary medical care.
HB 1476 is a companion bill to SB 5408.
