New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2679

Introduced
2/14/22  

Caption

Permits minors aged 14 years or older to consent to certain vaccines without permission of parent or guardian.

Impact

If enacted, A2679 would have significant implications for state laws regarding healthcare and parental authority. Currently, most states require parental or guardian consent for minors to undergo medical procedures, including vaccinations. This bill would modify existing laws to allow for greater autonomy for minors in making healthcare decisions, potentially leading to higher vaccination rates among adolescents and contributing to the community's overall immunization efforts. The bill would amend Title 9 of the Revised Statutes to reflect these changes, thereby integrating new medical consent practices for this age group.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2679 seeks to empower minors aged 14 years and older to consent to vaccinations for a range of communicable diseases without requiring permission from their parents or guardians. The bill aims to address public health needs by allowing these minors to receive vaccinations during health emergencies or vaccinations that have been approved by the FDA. This legislation recognizes minors' capacity to make informed health decisions at a time when vaccination is a crucial public health tool, particularly in light of recent public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contention

The introduction of A2679 is likely to provoke discussions around the balance of minors’ rights to make healthcare decisions versus parental rights to guide their children's health decisions. Advocates for the bill argue that it is necessary for safeguarding public health and ensuring that young individuals can access necessary vaccinations without delay. However, opponents may express concerns that allowing minors to independently consent to vaccinations could undermine parental authority and lead to medical decisions that parents may not agree with. This reflective debate showcases the complexities inherent in public health policies where individual rights intersect with family dynamics.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ S07729

Requires immunization against age appropriate rotavirus for certain children attending school.

NJ HB915

Immunizations; required vaccinations for children, regulations.

NJ HR50

Requesting The Department Of Health To Conduct A Study Into The Feasibility Of Permitting Minors Sixteen Years Of Age Or Older To Consent To Receive Vaccinations Without Consent From The Minor's Parent Or Guardian.

NJ SB587

State Health Commissioner; powers in epidemic, religious tenets or practices.

NJ SB972

State Health Commissioner; powers in epidemic, religious tenets or practices.

NJ AB659

Cancer Prevention Act.

NJ SB402

Relative to allowing pharmacists to administer influenza, COVID-19, and other FDA licensed vaccines without explicit approval from the general court.

NJ HB1200

COVID-19 vaccination and infection information.

NJ HB481

First responders; proof of immunization not required to attend trainings at medical care facilities.

NJ SB229

Relative to pharmacist administration of vaccines.

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