Acknowledges the right of parents to decide whether to vaccinate a child for COVID-19 and the role of the state in providing information to allow parents to make an informed decision.
Impact
The passage of SR178 marks a shift in the legislative stance on vaccinations in Louisiana, particularly vis-a-vis COVID-19. By affirming the right of parents to make choices for their children regarding vaccinations, it impacts state laws governing public health and school attendance. The resolution reinforces the autonomy of families and addresses potential perceived overreach by state health authorities regarding vaccination policies for children. As a result, the Louisiana Department of Health is urged to provide parents with comprehensive information to facilitate informed decision-making.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 178, primarily sponsored by Senators Hewitt and others, acknowledges the right of parents in Louisiana to decide whether their children should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The resolution's context stems from previous actions by the Louisiana Department of Health, which sought to add the COVID-19 vaccine to the state immunization schedule, leading to legislative contention regarding the role of parents versus state authority. Ultimately, the resolution supports the repeal of this vaccine requirement, highlighting a significant moment in public health policy in the state.
Sentiment
Sentiment surrounding this resolution has been notably mixed. Supporters laud it for emphasizing parental rights and the importance of personal choice in healthcare decisions, reflecting a broader trend of advocating for individual rights during the pandemic. Critics, however, may view the resolution as undercutting public health measures that could protect the community's health, thus revealing a public divide over the role of government in personal health decisions.
Contention
Notable points of contention arise from the balance between public health imperatives and individual rights. The resolution underscores a conflict wherein public health recommendations can clash with personal choices—specifically how communities address health matters, such as childhood vaccinations. Additionally, while the resolution advocates for parental choice, it may generate concerns about the potential consequences of lower vaccination rates among children, particularly as issues of communicable disease arise.
Directs elementary and secondary schools and higher education institutions that require a COVID-19 vaccination to inform students or parents of their right to choose not to receive the vaccination
Parental rights; creating the Parental Rights Immunization Act; requiring health care provider to obtain informed consent prior to vaccinating child. Effective date.
Prohibiting a parent's refusal to vaccinate a child from being used as evidence in any proceeding to terminating parental rights and enacting the 2009 interstate compact for the placement of children.
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.