Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF395

Introduced
2/23/23  
Introduced
2/23/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to vaccination and immunization reporting and tracking.

Impact

The implications of SF395 could significantly affect how vaccination data is reported and accessed within the state. By enforcing informed consent prior to any data submission to the statewide immunization registry, the bill underscores the importance of personal autonomy concerning health information. This shift raises questions about public health data collection, given the reduction in shared vaccination history that state health departments typically rely upon for tracking immunization rates and public health trends.

Summary

Senate File 395 focuses on the reporting and tracking of vaccinations and immunizations in the state of Iowa. The bill proposes that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall not require individuals administered with vaccinations to submit to any form of reporting or tracking unless specified by law. This potentially reduces the regulatory burden concerning vaccination reporting, aiming to respect individual privacy and consent in health matters. Furthermore, healthcare providers administering vaccinations are mandated to obtain written, informed consent from patients or guardians before reporting their vaccination data to any registries.

Contention

Opposition to SF395 may arise from public health advocates who argue that strict informed consent requirements might hinder effective disease surveillance and response efforts. Critics might contend that such a law could lead to gaps in immunization coverage data, making it difficult to identify trends and potential outbreaks. Proponents, however, argue that the bill is an essential step toward protecting patient rights and ensuring that health data is not shared without explicit consent.

Conclusions

Overall, SF395 reflects a balancing act between protecting individual privacy rights and maintaining the integrity of public health data systems. The bill may set a precedent for how similar legislation could unfold in other states, influencing the ongoing debate surrounding personal rights and public health responsibilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HSB178

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

IA HF2041

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

IA SF2058

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

IA HF2055

A bill for an act relating to communicable and infectious diseases, including elimination of specified immunization and vaccination requirements for enrollment in licensed child care centers or elementary and secondary schools, and requiring communication of the risks and recommendations relating to such diseases and immunizations and vaccinations.

IA A4338

Requires vaccinations against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) be reported to New Jersey Immunization Information System.

IA HB1161

Provides relative to vaccinations and immunizations

IA HB1315

Vaccinations by Pharmacists and Health Insurance Coverage for Immunizations

IA HB915

Immunizations; required vaccinations for children, regulations.

IA HB49

Provides for immunizations or vaccinations relative to COVID-19 (Item #40) (OR NO IMPACT See Note)

IA HB2872

Relating to the release or disclosure of vaccination or immunization information; providing a civil penalty.

Similar Bills

CA AB1568

California Emergency Services Act: Office of Emergency Services: donations system.

CA SB1164

Energy: building energy efficiency: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment: sale registry and compliance tracking system: compliance document data registry.

IA HF2041

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

IA SF2058

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

CA SB795

Energy: building energy efficiency: heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment sale registry and compliance tracking system: electronic statewide compliance documentation data repository.

IA HSB178

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

VA HB252

Sickle cell disease; statewide registry created, collection of disease case information, report.

HI HB1225

Relating To Digital Health Records.