Bill

Bill > A5144


NJ A5144

Recognizes right of minors aged 14 years or older to consent to vaccination.


summary

Introduced
12/14/2020
In Committee
12/14/2020
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/11/2022

Introduced Session

2020-2021 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would provide that a minor who is 14 years of age or older has the right to consent to vaccination for certain communicable diseases. Existing law already authorizes married minors and pregnant minors of any age to consent to their own medical or surgical treatment, and it authorizes minors 17 years of age or older to consent to blood donation. The bill provides, in particular, that a minor who is 14 years of age or older has the right to have administered thereto, by a licensed health care practitioner or properly authorized pharmacist, an adequate dose or doses of an immunizing agent, vaccine, or booster shot for poliomyelitis, mumps, measles, diphtheria, rubella, varicella, Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib), pertussis, tetanus, pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), or hepatitis B, regardless of whether the minor's parent or guardian consents to the administration of the immunizing agent, vaccine, or booster shot. The minor, in such a case, will have the same legal capacity to act, and the same powers and obligations as a person of legal age, and the minor's consent to the administration of an immunizing agent, vaccine, or booster shot will be valid and binding as if the minor had attained the age of majority, and will not be subject to later disaffirmance because of minority. The consent of the minor's parent or guardian, therefore, will not be required.

AI Summary

This bill would allow minors aged 14 years or older to consent to receiving certain routine vaccinations, such as for polio, measles, or hepatitis B, without requiring parental consent. The bill gives these minors the same legal capacity as adults to consent to these immunizations, and their consent would be valid and binding. This expands upon existing laws that already authorize married minors, pregnant minors, and 17-year-old minors to consent to certain medical treatments or procedures without parental approval.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 12/14/2020)

bill text


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