Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1251

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to information submitted to, maintained in, and released from the immunization registry.

Impact

Upon enactment, SB1251 will amend various sections of the Health and Safety Code, specifically Sections 161.0001, 161.007, and others that pertain to the regulation of immunization records. The legislation establishes clearer definitions of the individuals authorized to provide consent, which includes parents or guardians of minors as well as legally authorized representatives. It also stipulates that consent for inclusion in the immunization registry must be obtained only once, remaining valid until withdrawn by the individual or their representative, thus streamlining the process of maintaining up-to-date immunization records.

Summary

SB1251 addresses the management and release of information maintained in the immunization registry. The bill aims to enhance the confidentiality and privacy of individual immunization records while providing the framework for handling such data during public health emergencies. This includes the creation of guidelines to obtain consent for the inclusion of individuals' immunization data in the registry and specific protocols regarding how that data may be released to health authorities and providers in cases of emergency situations such as disasters or terrorist attacks.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding SB1251 is the balance between public health interests and individual privacy rights. While the bill strengthens the confidentiality of immunization records, there are concerns regarding how data will be shared during emergencies, potentially leading to disclosures that might not fully respect individual consent. Moreover, health care providers are required to submit immunization information, which raises questions about the implications for data management and the responsibilities of healthcare entities in ensuring compliance with the new regulations.

Considerations

The bill further includes provisions for tracking adverse reactions to immunizations, which is particularly relevant for public health authorities aiming to ensure safety during mass immunization campaigns, especially in disaster scenarios. Overall, the revisions and additions mandated by SB1251 would considerably impact the processes surrounding immunization data management, ensuring that both compliance and necessary confidentiality are maintained.

Companion Bills

TX HB1828

Identical Relating to information submitted to, maintained in, and released from the immunization registry.

Previously Filed As

TX HB172

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.

TX SB342

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.

TX HB4262

Relating to requirements for and prohibited uses of information contained in the immunization registry.

TX SB2023

Relating to requirements for and prohibited uses of information contained in the immunization registry.

TX HB4730

Relating to the release or disclosure of vaccination or immunization information to certain persons; providing a civil penalty.

TX SB304

Relating to prohibited immunization status discrimination and vaccine mandates; authorizing administrative penalties.

TX HB1105

Relating to preventative health care and public health, including prohibited immunization and face-covering requirements, private business or school closures, and the ordering and administration of immunizations by a pharmacist.

TX SB515

Relating to investigations of child abuse and neglect and the procedures for adding names to or removing names from the central registry of child abuse and neglect.

TX HB3588

Relating to an exemption from abortion restrictions for unemancipated minors and the repeal of provisions regarding notice and consent to those abortions.

TX HB2538

Relating to the repeal of provisions related to notice and consent to an abortion on a minor.

Similar Bills

TX HB1828

Relating to information submitted to, maintained in, and released from the immunization registry.

TX HB2382

Relating to information submitted to and maintained in the immunization registry after an individual becomes an adult.

TX SB346

Relating to information submitted to and maintained in the immunization registry after an individual becomes an adult.

TX HB1879

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

TX HB2383

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

TX SB347

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

TX SB29

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.

TX SB54

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.