Doss's Act GIVE LIFE Act Guarding against Injustice based on Vaccine-status, Ensuring Lifesaving Intervention For Everyone Act
Impact
If enacted, SB164 would significantly affect how organ donation and transplantation eligibility is assessed across the United States. It establishes that the incidence of COVID-19 positivity in specific geographic regions can neither promote nor hinder a person's chances for receiving organ benefits. This measure intends to ensure that all eligible individuals are treated equally, thereby reflecting a commitment to preventing discrimination based on vaccination status. Additionally, the bill extends its prohibitions to include medical services provision within Medicare and Medicaid, framing a clear stance on how vaccine status should not influence healthcare access.
Summary
SB164, also known as the 'Guarding against Injustice based on Vaccine-status, Ensuring Lifesaving Intervention For Everyone Act' or 'GIVE LIFE Act', seeks to establish prohibitions regarding the role of an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status in determining their eligibility for organ donation and transplantation. The bill clearly states that no individual may be considered ineligible for organ donation based solely on their COVID-19 vaccination status, nor can their priority on organ waiting lists be influenced by such status. This aims to create a more equitable framework in which medical decisions are made irrespective of vaccination history.
Contention
While proponents of SB164 argue that it addresses critical concerns around equality and fairness in healthcare settings, opposition may arise particularly from areas where vaccination rates and public health policies are contentious. Some may view the bill as underplaying the significance of vaccination, especially considering the ongoing public health discussions surrounding COVID-19. This tension could spark debate among public health officials and medical professionals regarding its implications on overall public health strategies and resource allocation for transplant services.
Restoring Normalcy in America Act This bill provides civil rights and employment protections for individuals based on their refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and addresses other matters concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the bill prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation and in federally assisted programs based on an individual's COVID-19 vaccine refusal. In addition, the bill prohibits employers from discriminating against such individuals, including discrimination related to hiring, compensation, advancement, or other employment opportunities. Further, the bill makes it unlawful for an employer to fail to offer any employee who was discharged for a COVID-19 vaccine refusal a position at an equal level and rate of pay to the position the employee held prior to discharge. In particular, the bill provides for the reinstatement of any member of the Armed Forces or federal employee who was involuntarily separated because of a COVID-19 vaccine refusal at the request of an affected individual. Any adverse action related to a COVID-19 vaccine refusal must be removed from an affected individual's military record or personnel file. Additionally, the bill (1) terminates the authority of the Food and Drug Administration to authorize under emergency procedures any drugs, biological products, or devices to prevent or treat COVID-19; and (2) requires the Department of Health and Human Services to study the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, preparedness for future pandemics, and related matters. The Government Accountability Office must also audit certain federal funding for COVID-19 activities and programs.
Freedom from Mandates Act This bill nullifies certain executive orders regarding COVID-19 safety and prohibits the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services (HHS) from taking specified actions with respect to vaccination against COVID-19. Specifically, the bill nullifies Executive Order 14042 (relating to ensuring adequate COVID-19 safety protocols for federal contractors) and Executive Order 14043 (requiring COVID-19 vaccination for federal employees). Labor may not issue any rule requiring employers to mandate vaccination of employees against COVID-19 or requiring testing of employees who are unvaccinated. HHS may not (1) require a health care provider, as a condition of participation in the Medicare or Medicaid program, to mandate vaccination of employees against COVID-19 or require testing of employees who are unvaccinated; or (2) otherwise penalize such a provider for failure to mandate such vaccination or require such testing.
No Vaccine Passports Act This bill prohibits certain actions related to vaccine passports and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, a federal agency may not issue a vaccine passport, vaccine pass, or other standardized documentation for the purpose of certifying the COVID-19 vaccination status of a U.S. citizen to a third party, or otherwise publish or share any COVID-19 vaccination record of a U.S. citizen or similar health information. Additionally, proof of COVID-19 vaccination shall not be required to access federal or congressional property or services.