Enacting the conscientious right to refuse act to prohibit discrimination against individuals to refuse medical care and creating a civil cause of action based on such discrimination; repealing the authority of the secretary of health and environment to quarantine individuals and impose associated penalties.
Impact
If enacted, SB390 would significantly alter various state laws related to medical care and the authority of health officials. Most notably, the bill would repeal the existing authority of the Secretary of Health and Environment to quarantine individuals and impose associated penalties. This change could lead to increased challenges in public health management, particularly in scenarios involving infectious diseases or other public health threats where quarantine has been deemed necessary.
Summary
SB390, known as the Conscientious Right to Refuse Act, seeks to establish a legal framework that protects individuals who choose to refuse medical care based on their personal beliefs. It aims to prohibit discrimination against these individuals by extending them the right to pursue civil action if they face such discrimination. The bill represents a significant shift in the state's approach to healthcare and individual rights, emphasizing personal autonomy in medical decisions.
Contention
Debate surrounding SB390 is expected, as the bill's provisions may provoke differing opinions among legislators and health professionals. Supporters argue that it is imperative to uphold individual rights and bodily autonomy, particularly in a climate where coerced medical decisions can be a concern. On the contrary, opponents may voice worries over the potential implications for public health and safety, especially regarding the effectiveness of disease control measures that rely on quarantine authority.
Enacting the conscientious right to refuse act to prohibit discrimination against individuals who refuse medical care and creating a civil cause of action based on such discrimination and revoking the authority of the secretary of health and environment to quarantine individuals and impose associated penalties.
Enacting the constitutional right to health freedom act to regulate the activities of the secretary of health and environment related to public health functions; repealing statutes relating to the secretary's authority to quarantine individuals and impose associated penalties.
Restricting the authority of the secretary of health and environment and local health officers to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious or contagious diseases; repealing the authority of the secretary to quarantine individuals and impose associated penalties.
House Substitute for HB 2390 by Committee on Public Health and Welfare - Requiring the secretary of health and environment to study drug overdose death cases and providing for the confidentiality of acquired and related records, restricting the authority of the secretary of health and environment and local health officers to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious or contagious diseases and repealing the authority of the secretary to quarantine individuals and impose associated penalties.
Expands "Law Against Discrimination" to apply to health programs and activities and to prohibit discrimination based on association with individuals in protected classes.
Expands "Law Against Discrimination" to apply to health programs and activities and to prohibit discrimination based on association with individuals in protected classes.
Requiring the secretary of health and environment to study drug overdose death cases and providing for the confidentiality of related records, restricting the authority of the secretary of health and environment and local health officers to control the spread of infectious or contagious diseases, repealing the authority of the secretary to quarantine individuals and impose penalties for violations thereof and prohibiting the secretary of health and environment from requiring COVID-19 vaccination for children attending a child care facility or school.
Prohibiting any county or city legislation that would modify the established classes of individuals protected from discrimination under the Kansas act against discrimination.
Health; discrimination by certain entities against individuals who refuse certain immunizations, drugs, or facial coverings for reasons of conscience prohibited; civil cause of action for violations provided; Attorney General authorized to defend an entity subject to related federal penalties