Priority Issues

UPDATE
FROM AAP-CA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KRIS CALVIN, MA
August 2004

SB 1764 (Speier) Immunization Registry: Information sharing

GOOD NEWS!! GOOD NEWS!!!!

Governor Schwarzenegger has signed into law AAP-CA-sponsored SB 1764 (Speier). This bill will facilitate needed information-sharing through the state immunization registry, including for foster children, while safeguarding needed confidentiality. (For bill text go to http://www.sen.ca.gov/.)

Thanks to Yasuko Fukuda, MD, and Allan Lieberthal, MD, who participated in registry planning activities related to the bill. Special appreciation goes to Dean Blumberg, MD, who, as the AAP-CA lead on the bill, provided testimony and leadership on SB 1764. Thanks also to our lobbyist, Jackie Miller, who did a stellar job!

SB 1764 is a product of our collaborative work with the California Coalition for Childhood Immunization (C3I). AAP-CA is an active member of C3I. C3I was a cosponsor and lead the effort on SB 1764. Steve Barrow, Lydia Bourne and Norene DeBruycker were the brains (and brawn) behind the C3I effort!

SB 1764, as originally written, would also have provided funding for a state hub to link existing regional registries. Due to budget constraints, that portion of the bill was amended out. However, the process of moving SB 1764 permitted us to educated legislators about the need for such funding, laying the groundwork to return with a funding bill next session.

Thanks to all pediatrician leaders and members who wrote letters and offered grassroots support for SB 1764. Put this one in the "win" column!!

Regards,
Kris