Iowa House Bill HSB178

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/23
• Refer: 2/20/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to requirements and prohibitions relating to the reporting of vaccination and immunization administration.

Impact

The implications of HSB178 are significant, as it would enhance the accountability of healthcare providers in reporting vaccination data. By centralizing this information in a statewide registry, the bill is expected to promote better public health responses, especially in managing vaccination drives and monitoring vaccination rates within different demographics. Moreover, the establishment of a common registry could facilitate coordination among health departments and providers in addressing outbreaks or vaccination gaps effectively.

Summary

House Study Bill 178 aims to establish stricter requirements regarding the reporting of vaccination and immunization administration by healthcare professionals in Iowa. The bill mandates that all healthcare professionals who have the authority to administer vaccines must enroll in and report their vaccinations to the statewide immunization registry. This initiative is intended to improve oversight and tracking of immunization records across the state, ensuring that all vaccinations are accurately documented and can be easily accessed by authorized entities.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HSB178 include concerns over patient privacy and consent. The bill specifies that healthcare professionals must obtain written consent from patients or their guardians before reporting immunization data. Critics may worry that this requirement could deter patients from seeking vaccinations, as they might be hesitant to provide personal data. Furthermore, the enforcement of penalties for non-compliance, which can lead to disciplinary action against healthcare providers, raises questions about the balance between public health objectives and individual rights.