Bill > S0469

This bill establishes the Rhode Island Informed Consent Protection Act, which provides comprehensive protections for individuals who choose to delay or decline vaccinations. The legislation prohibits discrimination against patients, parents, or guardians who refuse vaccines by preventing healthcare providers, employers, insurers, and healthcare facilities from taking adverse actions such as dismissing patients, denying employment, increasing insurance premiums, or reducing healthcare reimbursements. The bill requires healthcare practitioners to obtain written informed consent before administering a vaccine, with the consent form detailing potential risks, benefits, and the right to decline vaccination. Additionally, the bill prohibits healthcare practitioners from receiving monetary incentives for vaccinations and from requiring liability waivers as a condition of medical care. Practitioners who violate these provisions can be fined up to $25,000 per patient, per violation. The bill also amends existing child welfare laws to explicitly state that the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) cannot initiate an investigation against a parent or guardian solely for choosing to delay or decline vaccinating their child, providing an additional layer of protection for parents' medical decision-making autonomy.

Health and Social Services

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