Ways that HB2902 undermines the Clarification Act:
1. In confusing language, says that children who have been in state custody for “a continuous period of time that began prior to the effective date of this act and continues through the effective date of this act” — are not considered minors that fall under the law. WHEN the Clarification Act took effect last year, DCS had to stop their illegal practice of vaccinating minors without parental consent or without a court order. This language appears to allow them to resume the practice for minors already in their custody.
2. Defines “Informed consent” as “means written consent, including a writing transmitted electronically, from a parent or legal guardian of a minor to the vaccination of the minor or for all future vaccinations of the minor recommended by the minor’s healthcare provider” AND adds that “A minor’s parent or legal guardian who provides informed consent for all future vaccinations does not have to be present for the administration of a vaccine to the minor, as long as another adult accompanies the minor to the healthcare provider’s visit where administration of the vaccine occurs. Informed consent for future vaccinations is valid until revoked in writing, including a writing transmitted electronically, buy a parent or legal guardian.”
This is a terrible definition and absurd concept. “Informed consent” means a parent is given, at the very least, information about the risks and benefits of a vaccine, information about the targeted disease, treatments for the disease, and alternatives to vaccination, and after considering that information, either consents or declines.
As explained in the Clarification Act, “The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. § 300aa-26) requires, prior to the administration of a vaccine listed in the vaccine injury table to a minor, that healthcare providers provide the vaccine information statement from the centers for disease control and prevention to the legal representatives of the minor.”
Congress put that requirement into law because they were afraid that when they removed liability from vaccine makers and doctors, parents and children could be at risk from vaccine harm with no recourse. They wanted parents to be fully informed before making a decision! The original information statements were 12 page pamphlets! Today, they are just one page, but they are better than no information at all.
How can a parent be given information on the entire pediatric schedule and give informed consent for all future vaccinations? And what about new vaccines that come along?
3. Defines “Parent” as “a biological, legal, or adoptive parent, or a person designated in a power of attorney or otherwise authorized under applicable law to make healthcare decisions for and consent to healthcare treatment of the minor.”
This definition is so broad, DCS or other state entities could be considered a parent. This is a dangerous definition.
Credit: Stand for Health Freedom + Tennessee Coalition for Vaccine Choice
This bill is scheduled to be heard TODAY at 3:30PM in the House Health Committee.
Take action to OPPOSE HB 2902
Erodes protections to vaccinating children without parental consent.
OPPOSE Caption Bill – In confusing language, says that children who have been in state custody for “a continuous period of time that began prior to the effective date of this act and continues through the effective date of this act” — are not considered minors that fall under the law.
