Texas House Bill HB2171

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to information maintained in the immunization registry with the consent of an individual after the individual becomes an adult.

Impact

The legislation modifies how immunization records are retained and accessed within the state's health department. The inclusion of details around the consent process is intended to enhance individuals' control over their immunization data, ensuring that adherence to public health measures can be maintained without infringing on personal rights. It stipulates that efforts must be made to notify individuals about the status of their consent and the implications of their immunization data being stored in the registry. This act is particularly significant considering the necessity for health departments to have accessible immunization records for managing public health threats.

Summary

House Bill 2171 aims to amend the Health and Safety Code regarding the inclusion of individuals' immunization information in the immunization registry. Under this bill, consent for maintaining immunization data is required from individuals once they reach the age of 18, or from their legally authorized representative prior to that. This consent must be obtained only once, allowing their information to remain in the registry until they turn 26, unless it is withdrawn by the individual or their representative. This approach streamlines the consent process and sets a clear structure for the inclusion of immunization records in the registry, which can facilitate better public health management.

Sentiment

Support for HB 2171 was primarily driven by the understanding of its importance in making immunization records easily accessible while also protecting individual rights to consent. Public health advocates viewed the bill as a strategic step towards improved health outcomes and disease prevention, particularly in the context of rising public health challenges. However, it also raised concerns around data privacy and the security of personal health information, with some emphasizing the need for stringent safeguards to protect sensitive data within the registry.

Contention

The main areas of contention surrounding HB 2171 involved potential risks related to personal data privacy and the implications of centralized health data storage. Critics voiced apprehensions regarding how well the process of obtaining consent and communicating with individuals would be managed, particularly in ensuring that notifications regarding consent renewals were adequately communicated. There were also discussions about the adequacy of the measures put in place to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information within the immunization registry, highlighting the need for robust protective measures regarding individual data in the face of growing concerns over data vulnerabilities.