AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 14; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to prohibiting minor consent to vaccination.
Impact
The bill amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, embedding stricter guidelines concerning the vaccination of minors. It establishes that healthcare providers must attain documented consent from parents or guardians before administering vaccines to individuals under the age of 18. The legislation also categorizes violations of this rule as unlawful practices, which could result in disciplinary actions against healthcare practitioners, including the suspension or revocation of their licenses. This change illustrates a shift towards greater parental control over medical decisions affecting minors, especially regarding vaccinations.
Summary
Senate Bill 1111, also known as the 'Mature Minor Doctrine Clarification Act,' is aimed at prohibiting healthcare providers from administering vaccinations to minors without obtaining prior written consent from a parent or legal guardian. This bill seeks to clarify and enforce existing laws surrounding parental consent in the realm of healthcare, specifically focusing on vaccinations, which have become a point of debate in recent years, particularly with COVID-19 vaccines. By emphasizing informed consent for minors, the bill underscores the importance of parental authority in making medical decisions for their children.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 1111 appears to be quite polarized. Proponents argue that the legislation reinforces parental rights and protects children from potentially harmful medical interventions without adequate oversight. They view the requirement for consent as a necessary safeguard against potential health risks associated with vaccinations. Conversely, opponents are concerned that this bill could hinder public health initiatives aimed at managing disease outbreaks, particularly in the context of vaccines that receive widespread public health promotion. The overall discourse reflects a significant tension between parental authority and public health policy.
Contention
The main points of contention in discussions around SB 1111 involve fears that legislating parental consent could lead to adverse public health outcomes by reducing vaccination rates among minors. Opponents caution that the requirement of parental consent could discourage healthcare providers from administering essential vaccines due to increased liability risks. This concern is compounded by the language in the bill that references historical legal precedents, asserting a strong stance on parental rights, which some fear may impede the effective management of vaccination programs designed to protect broader community health interests.
Crossfiled
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 14; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to prohibiting minor consent to vaccination.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 49; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to families' rights and responsibilities.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 49; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to families' rights and responsibilities.
To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Exempt Certain Healthcare Providers That Provide Certain Healthcare Services From Prior Authorization Requirements.
To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Exempt Certain Healthcare Providers That Provide Certain Healthcare Services From Prior Authorization Requirements.
To Prohibit Healthcare Insurers From Exercising Recoupment For Payment Of Healthcare Services More Than One Year After The Payment For Healthcare Services Was Made.