Oklahoma Senate Bill SB255

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Prevention and control of disease; authorizing conduction of contact tracing under certain conditions; providing exception to Oklahoma Open Records Act. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB255 would significantly impact state health laws by formally regulating contact tracing efforts following a public health emergency, such as an outbreak of communicable diseases. The legislation would ensure that all parties involved in contact tracing adhere to specific training and ethical standards, which could foster public trust in such initiatives. Furthermore, the bill provides legal protections for individuals who voluntarily disclose information during contact tracing, reinforcing the framework of responsible data use and public cooperation.

Summary

Senate Bill 255 aims to establish guidelines for the prevention and control of diseases through contact tracing. It defines key terms related to the process, including 'contact tracer,' 'contact data,' and details on the usage and confidentiality of such data. The bill authorizes state and local health departments to conduct contact tracing while establishing strict protocols to uphold privacy and confidentiality. It outlines the training and qualifications required for contact tracers, along with the processes for handling and destroying contact data.

Contention

Critics may voice concerns around the balance of public health needs against individual privacy rights. Provisions regarding data confidentiality and restrictions on the use of location data might invite debate over appropriate measures to prevent misuse while ensuring effective disease containment. Additionally, the bill's provision of civil actions for violations and the establishment of misdemeanors for noncompliance underscores the serious approach being taken with regard to adherence to the bill's directives.