Texas House Bill HB2383

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/30/09

Caption

Relating to the receipt and release of immunization information by the immunization registry in connection with a disaster.

Impact

The bill modifies several sections of the Health and Safety Code, emphasizing the confidentiality of immunization records while still allowing the department to communicate immunization data with health authorities from other states. For instance, when individuals evacuated from Texas to another state, the department can share the registry data as needed in response to their relocation. This change is aimed at improving health outcomes during emergencies by ensuring that displaced individuals receive appropriate medical care based on their immunization histories.

Summary

House Bill 2383 addresses the regulations surrounding the receipt and release of immunization information by the state's immunization registry in connection with disasters. It primarily amends existing provisions in the Health and Safety Code to facilitate the sharing of immunization data when residents are displaced due to disasters. The bill intends to enhance the response capabilities of health authorities during these situations by allowing for the necessary exchange of critical health information across state lines.

Contention

A notable point of contention within the bill revolves around the balance between necessary data sharing for disaster response and the privacy of individuals whose information is contained in the registry. Critics may express concern over the potential for misuse of shared data and the protections in place to ensure that confidentiality is maintained, particularly regarding minors. The legislation seeks to establish clear guidelines about when and how this information can be shared, which could involve oversight by the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission.

Additional_points

The bill outlines specific conditions under which immunization information can be collected and removed from the registry, reinforcing the need for consent from guardians in the case of minors. It specifies that once the department determines that the need for such data is no longer present post-disaster, the information must be removed unless a continued inclusion consent is obtained.