Bill > HB695

This bill, known as the Immunization Freedom Act, establishes guidelines for pediatric vaccination schedules that allow more flexibility for parents and legal guardians. The bill defines key terms related to healthcare providers, facilities, and insurers, and then outlines several important provisions: healthcare practitioners must continue to provide pediatric care to patients whose parents choose alternative vaccination schedules, as long as the child receives at least one vaccination per calendar year. Practitioners can request meetings with parents to discuss vaccination schedules but cannot bill for these meetings, and they may create separate waiting areas for patients with alternative vaccination schedules. The bill also prohibits insurers from refusing coverage or reimbursement for vaccinations administered on alternative schedules, and prevents insurers from providing financial incentives to practitioners for vaccination rates. If a healthcare practitioner violates these provisions, they may face administrative penalties from their licensing agency for unprofessional conduct. The legislation aims to protect parental choice in vaccination scheduling while maintaining professional healthcare standards, and it takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=695