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No Vaccine Passports for Americans Act
12/30/2022, 5:47 PM
Summary of Bill HR 3868
The bill specifically states that no federal agency or official may issue or require the use of a vaccine passport for American citizens. It also prohibits federal funds from being used to develop, implement, or promote the use of vaccine passports.
Supporters of the bill argue that vaccine passports infringe on individual privacy and personal freedoms, and could lead to discrimination against those who choose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. They believe that individuals should have the right to make their own healthcare decisions without government interference. Opponents of the bill argue that vaccine passports are necessary to ensure public safety and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. They believe that requiring proof of vaccination for certain activities, such as travel or attending large events, is a reasonable measure to protect public health. Overall, the No Vaccine Passports for Americans Act is a controversial piece of legislation that highlights the ongoing debate over individual rights versus public health measures in the United States. It will be interesting to see how this bill progresses through Congress and what impact it may have on future public health policies.
Congressional Summary of HR 3868
No Vaccine Passports for Americans Act
This bill restricts collection and disclosure of an individual's vaccination status, including for COVID-19 vaccinations. It also makes it unlawful to discriminate based on COVID-19 vaccination status and to mandate vaccination in certain circumstances.
Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds to establish or collaborate with federal, state, private, or international systems that track or monitor an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status. Additionally, federal agencies must destroy existing records that contain information about an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status within 30 days. Furthermore, agencies may not issue vaccine passports or similar standardized documentation of COVID-19 vaccination status.
The bill also prohibits discrimination based on COVID-19 vaccination status or willingness to provide documentation of vaccination status in employment, public accommodations, and certain public programs and services. Remedies and enforcement mechanisms available under federal civil rights laws apply to violations under this bill.
In addition, federal privacy standards for health information must prohibit the disclosure of non-anonymized information about the status of any vaccination without a patient's express consent. Moreover, the bill makes anyone who requests an individual's vaccination status subject to these standards.
The bill temporarily bans (1) mandates for vaccines authorized for use under emergency procedures, and (2) administration of those vaccines to minors or individuals who lack capacity to consent to vaccinations without the consent of their parent or guardian. It also prohibits public disclosure of an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status without express, written consent. Violations of these prohibitions are subject to criminal and civil penalties.
