TN bill requires parental consent before vaccinating minors
(Courtesy: MGN)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — A new Tennessee bill would require healthcare providers to obtain parental consent before vaccinating a minor.
Senate Bill 1111 passed 28 to 5 on April 20. But it has not been signed into law yet.
The bill prohibits any healthcare providers from vaccinating a minor unless the minor’s parents have given informed consent first.
It requires the provider to document this consent and include it in the minor’s medical record.
If healthcare providers violate this law, it will be considered unlawful practice. Licensing officials may suspend, revoke or refuse to renew the provider’s license.
Under current law, healthcare providers in Tennessee cannot give minors COVID-19 vaccinations without written consent of the parents/legal guardians. This bill will remove the exceptions from current law. Current exceptions include the minor’s capacity to consent, or if the provider suspects parental abuse or neglect.
Healthcare providers will also need to keep an up-to-date registry database for reporting vaccinations of minors.
