Some words from the OANP:
The Senate Committee on Health Care held a public hearing this aftern on SB 442, which started out as benign bill about vaccine education requirements. As expected, the Committee introduced an amendment to the bill that would make the following changes to Oregon’s vaccine laws:
Remove the religious and philosophical exemption for vaccines;
Revoke all previous non-medical exemptions (children would need to be vaccinated or demonstrate proof that they have begun to receive their vaccinations by September, 2015);
Allow for only medical exemptions to vaccines, with the Oregon Health Authority responsible for writing rules as to what could qualify as a medical exemption.
The OANP worked with vaccine experts, the AANP, and multiple naturopathic state associations to offer a statement articulating our concerns to the Senate committee.
Find OANP’s letter here
In keeping with naturopathic philosophy that a doctor has a responsibility to educate patients, OANP’s letter is available for you to use in your own communication with patients, on your websites, newsletters or social media.
We will continue to work with legislators to find a pathway to increase community immunization without taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach to health care.
If a patient has a statement that they would like to make, please direct them to the
“Find My Legislator” box on the Oregon State Legislature website.
For physicians who would like to share your concerns, the OANP would prefer that you send them to OANP directly so that we can represent you as a united voice.