Georgia House Bill HB522

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/25
• Report Pass: 2/28/25

Caption

Health; prohibit certain health care providers and facilities from discriminating against potential organ transplant recipients due solely to their vaccine status

Impact

If enacted, HB522 would directly influence the existing statutes on healthcare rights in Georgia, particularly regarding organ transplants. The bill prohibits healthcare entities from considering an individual's vaccine status or disability, ensuring that patients cannot be disqualified from receiving necessary organ transplants or related medical services. This law aims to reinforce the principles of non-discrimination in healthcare settings and supports the rights of individuals who may otherwise be marginalized by existing practices in medical evaluations.

Summary

House Bill 522 seeks to amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to prevent healthcare providers and facilities from discriminating against potential organ transplant recipients based solely on their vaccine status. The bill addresses a significant concern related to the eligibility criteria for organ transplants, particularly in light of varying policies across different healthcare providers about considering vaccination status as a factor in treatment decisions. This piece of legislation is aimed at ensuring equitable access to essential medical services, especially for individuals with disabilities who might already face barriers in healthcare.

Contention

Notably, one of the key points of contention surrounding HB522 is the debate on the extent of medical discretion allowed in organ transplantation protocols. Proponents of the bill argue that vaccine status should not be a determinant of eligibility for organ transplants, countering that such criteria could exclude vulnerable populations. On the other hand, opponents may argue for the necessity of considering all health-related factors, suggesting that vaccination could be integral to ensuring the safety and success of a transplant procedure, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This disagreement underscores broader discussions in public health about balancing individual rights with community health considerations.