Texas House Bill HB772

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24

Caption

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.

Impact

The legislation introduces several key amendments, including the repeal of certain sections of the Health and Safety Code, which could be construed as reducing barriers to entering and exiting the immunization registry. Additionally, it requires that the department must exclude a person's immunization records immediately upon request and prohibits retaining personally identifiable information for those who have withdrawn consent. By streamlining these processes, the bill could significantly impact how healthcare providers and administrative bodies manage personal health data, ensuring greater respect for patient privacy and autonomy.

Summary

House Bill 772 aims to amend existing laws related to immunization data management within Texas, specifically focusing on the state's immunization registry governed under the Health and Safety Code. The bill seeks to enhance the ways in which individuals can manage their immunization information, primarily emphasizing the importance of consent for including individuals' data in the registry. It mandates that the Department of State Health Services develop procedures for individuals, or their legally authorized representatives, to easily request exclusion from the registry, thereby allowing greater autonomy over personal health information. This is particularly relevant for individuals aged 18 and older.

Contention

As with any legislation affecting health data, there may be points of contention regarding the balance between public health needs and individual privacy rights. Proponents argue that the changes will make the registry more user-friendly and responsive to individual preferences, promoting public trust. Conversely, opponents could argue that easier access for individuals to remove their data might impede public health efforts, especially in cases where a quicker response to immunization data is critical for community health interventions. The discussions surrounding these legislative changes likely reflect a broader national conversation about data privacy in healthcare and the role of government in managing such sensitive information.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 161. Public Health Provisions
  • Section: 007
  • Section: 00705
  • Section: 00706
  • Section: 00735
  • Section: 009
  • Section: 0095
  • Section: 0107