John H. Shields
MEMBER
TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
District 122

March 20, 1998

Mr. Robert D. Crider
Director, Immunization Division
Texas Department of Health
Austin, Texas 78756

RE: Proposed rules implementing HB 3054; Immunization Registry

 Dear Mr. Crider:

A constituent contacted my District Office regarding his concerns about the proposed rules implementing HB 3054, the Immunization Registry. My constituent alleges the proposed rules circumvent the Legislature's will by forcing parents to prohibit the release of immunization information to the registry, instead of requiring parental consent to include information.

After comparing the departments proposed rules to the plain language of the legislation, I agree with my constituent. House Bill 3054 specifically requires a parent's or guardian's written consent before immunization information may be included in the registry. This requirement is mandatory, not discretionary.

I urge the department to follow the Legislature's mandate, and require prior parental consent before including information in the registry. I await the department's favorable reply.

Sincerely,

 John H. Shields
Stare Representative

JHS:beb

COMMITTEES: JUDICIAL AFFAIRS, URBAN AFFAIRS

Edited:
  01/16/99