Bill > S2565

This bill, titled "The Rhode Island Informed Consent Protection Act," mandates that healthcare professionals obtain written informed consent, signed by the patient or their parent/guardian for minors, before administering any vaccine, with this consent requiring full knowledge of potential risks and benefits and being given voluntarily. It explicitly prohibits discrimination against individuals who choose to delay or decline vaccinations, meaning healthcare providers, facilities, insurers, and employers cannot dismiss, deny privileges, increase premiums, deny coverage, terminate employment, or otherwise penalize someone based on their vaccination status. The bill also prevents practitioners from accepting bonuses for vaccinating patients and prohibits requiring liability waivers for declining vaccines. Furthermore, it establishes civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation for those who intentionally disregard these provisions. Crucially, the bill amends existing law to prevent the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) from investigating parents or guardians solely for their decision to delay or decline vaccinating their child.

Health and Social Services

https://status.rilegislature.gov/