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Judiciary panel considers immunity in H.545 to protect vaccine access; debate centers on gross negligence and informed consent
Summary
The Vermont Judiciary Committee heard testimony on H.545’s immunity provision for vaccine providers, with the Department of Health and Vermont Medical Society saying immunity tied to gross negligence preserves access, while members pressed on federal-state divergence and informed-consent safeguards.
The Vermont Judiciary Committee on Thursday heard testimony on H.545, a bill that would give health-care providers limited immunity for administering vaccines consistent with state recommendations, with debate focused on whether the immunity should require proof of gross negligence rather than ordinary negligence and how informed consent would be handled.
"For us, again, the concern is access," said Lauren Lehman, general counsel for the Vermont Department of Health, stressing the department's goal of ensuring providers do not stop offering vaccines because of the risk of costly, lengthy lawsuits. Lehman said vaccine injuries and adverse events are rare, but litigation can deter providers and reduce patient access.
Supporters of the bill's gross-negligence threshold — including Jessa Barnard of the Vermont Medical Society — argued the higher…
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