Oklahoma Senate Bill SB831

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Prevention and control of disease; prohibiting entering or sharing of immunization records or other data without informed consent. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB831 would reinforce and codify the rights of individuals, particularly parents of minor children, regarding how their immunization data is collected and handled. The legislation not only mandates consent prior to data collection but also gives parents the authority to request the deletion of their child's immunization records from the system. This move may lead to a larger conversation about the regulation of health data and the responsibilities of health departments in managing sensitive information.

Summary

Senate Bill 831 aims to enhance the privacy and control individuals have over their immunization records in Oklahoma. It explicitly prohibits the entry of an individual’s immunization records into any database, including the Oklahoma State Immunization Information System, without the prior written informed consent of the individual or their parent or guardian if the individual is a minor. This bill represents a significant shift toward safeguarding personal health information, reflecting growing concerns about data privacy in the health sector.

Contention

There may be notable contention surrounding SB831, especially among stakeholders concerned about public health. Supporters of the bill argue that it fortifies individual rights and parental control over children's health data, but opposing views might raise concerns about the potential hindrance to public health initiatives, such as immunization campaigns. Critics may fear that stringent privacy measures could complicate data collection efforts vital for monitoring vaccination rates and addressing public health crises.