Committee clears bill to preserve state vaccine purchasing authority after special-session changes

The Senate committee gave House Bill 156 a due-pass recommendation after Department of Health and physician witnesses said the measure preserves the state's ability to procure vaccines and make immunization recommendations following special-session changes.

Department of Health witnesses explained that a special-session bill removed advisory language tied to the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to enable the state to purchase vaccines for more than 300 organizations when ACIP guidance timing was delayed. HB156 would repeal the temporary sunset added in the special session so the Department of Health retains authority to purchase vaccines and set recommendations.

Physicians including longtime pediatrician Lance Chilton and pediatrician Dr. Melissa Mason (online) urged passage to prevent resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases and to keep insurance coverage uninterrupted. Medicaid and the Office of Superintendent of Insurance testified in support and said HB156 would not impede Medicaid vaccine payments and would help maintain continuity of coverage.

After brief questions, the committee recorded an 8-1 due-pass recommendation on the bill.