Good Bill introduced & hearing scheduled

2020 Legislative session is off to a great start with multiple bills supporting informed consent and health choice.

This notice is about bill H 7811 and the hearing for it on March 11th 2020 4p, just a few days away.

This bill expands vaccinations exemption to include philosophical reasons to opt out of vaccines for school. There are many reasons why a family may choose to opt out one particular vaccine (like the HPV vaccine) or to delay a few vaccines, etc. The parents are the only ones who should be deciding the best health practices for their children, these kinds of decisions should not be dictated by bureaucrats or politicians.

Get involved;

1 Please come and make a brief statement to the HEW committee this Wednesday, March 11 at the State House. Personal testimonies are what will make the greatest impact. A polite, fact based testimony is one of the most important ways to make change in the legislative process.

2 Call the members of HEW committee and Speaker Mattiello. You will likely need to leave them a brief message, asking them to vote 7811 onto the House Floor. Tell them why this legislation is important to you or why it should be passed. Phone numbers and more information included below.

3 Write a brief email and blind carbon copy (BCC) it to the entire House of representatives. Ask your family members and close friends to do the same. A few dozen emails can make a large impact in Rhode Island. Email address are included below.

4 Forward this notice to others to encourage them to also participate. Click here for facebook event for social media sharing.

The single greatest change you can make to vaccine laws is informing lawmakers of your concerns. Many of them simply don’t know enough about the national vaccine program. They need YOU to politely provide them with persuasive facts.

To testify at the State House

1 Limit testimony to 2 minutes.
2 You can submit documents to support your testimony if you include your name, email and write “In Support of H7811” on each page. You will need 23 copies of all written testimony.
3 We may be heard first but we may also wait around for hours before 7811 is heard. Bring a snack and water.
4 HEW committee on the first floor. Turn right after going through security and it is the last door on right. Room 101
5 After 3pm, you can park for free in the RIDOT lot across the street. You can also pay to park at the Providence Place Mall.
6 We encourage you to testify, but you do not have to. You can still come, sign in support of the bill and show by our numbers that we want informed consent for vaccines.

When you call the members of HEW committee and Speaker Mattiello:
1 Introduce yourself.
2 Tell them why they should vote YES to H7811.
3 Be brief. They are extremely busy and appreciate concise comments.

Phone numbers of HEW committee members and Speaker Mattiello:
Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello (401) 222-2466
Chairman Joseph M. McNamara (401) 941-8319
Rep. Dennis M. Canario (401) 683-4926
Rep. David A. Bennett (401) 480-4647
Rep. Sherry Roberts (401) 222-2259
Rep. Julie A. Casimiro (401) 474-7961
Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro (401) 596-1434
Rep. Mia Ackerman (401) 658-0981
Rep. John W. Lyle, Jr (401) 723-6104
Rep. Robert D. Phillips (401) 762-2010
Rep. Karen Alzate (401) 663-5600
Rep. Joe Serodio (401) 340-9150
Rep. Gregg Amore (401) 339-9378
Rep. Liana Cassar (401) 433-9539
Rep. June Speakman (401) 258-1134
Rep. Susan R. Donovan (401) 253-7837
Please thank Rep. Camille Vella-Wilkinson (401) 952-7340 for sponsoring the bill!

 

Email address of every Representative:

rep-ajello@rilegislature.gov
rep-blazejewski@rilegislature.gov
rep-walsh@rilegislature.gov
rep-kislak@rilegislature.gov
rep-Ranglin-Vassell@rilegislature.gov
rep-hull@rilegislature.gov
rep-mckiernan@rilegislature.gov
rep-lombardi@rilegislature.gov
rep-williams@rilegislature.gov
rep-slater@rilegislature.gov
rep-diaz@rilegislature.gov
rep-almeida@rilegislature.gov
rep-mendez@rilegislature.gov
rep-lima@rilegislature.gov
rep-mattiello@rilegislature.gov
rep-millea@rilegislature.gov
rep-jacquard@rilegislature.gov
rep-handy@rilegislature.gov
rep-mcnamara@rilegislature.gov
rep-bennett@rilegislature.gov
rep-Vella-Wilkinson@rilegislature.gov
rep-solomon@rilegislature.gov
rep-shekarchi@rilegislature.gov
rep-Shanley@rilegislature.gov
rep-noret@rilegislature.gov
rep-jackson@rilegislature.gov
rep-serpa@rilegislature.gov
rep-nardone@rilegislature.gov
rep-roberts@rilegislature.gov
rep-caldwell@rilegislature.gov
rep-Casimiro@rilegislature.gov
rep-craven@rilegislature.gov
rep-mcentee@rilegislature.gov
rep-tanzi@rilegislature.gov
rep-fogarty@rilegislature.gov
rep-filippi@rilegislature.gov
rep-azzinaro@rilegislature.gov
rep-kennedy@rilegislature.gov
rep-Price@rilegislature.gov
rep-chippendale@rilegislature.gov
rep-quattrocchi@rilegislature.gov
rep-ucci@rilegislature.gov
rep-fellela@rilegislature.gov
rep-costantino@rilegislature.gov
rep-ackerman@rilegislature.gov
rep-lyle@rilegislature.gov
rep-place@rilegislature.gov
rep-newberry@rilegislature.gov
rep-morin@rilegislature.gov
rep-casey@rilegislature.gov
rep-phillips@rilegislature.gov
rep-Marszalkowski@rilegislature.gov
rep-hawkins@rilegislature.gov
rep-obrien@rilegislature.gov
rep-corvese@rilegislature.gov
rep-mclaughlin@rilegislature.gov
rep-tobon@rilegislature.gov
rep-barros@rilegislature.gov
rep-alzate@rilegislature.gov
rep-johnston@rilegislature.gov
rep-messier@rilegislature.gov
rep-kazarian@rilegislature.gov
rep-serodio@rilegislature.gov
rep-amore@rilegislature.gov
rep-cassar@rilegislature.gov
rep-Knight@rilegislature.gov
rep-speakman@rilegislature.gov
rep-donovan@rilegislature.gov
rep-edwards@rilegislature.gov
rep-canario@rilegislature.gov
rep-cortvriend@rilegislature.gov
rep-abney@rilegislature.gov
rep-ruggiero@rilegislature.gov
rep-carson@rilegislature.gov

 

 

Tonight! Jan 6th

The People’s Truth is premiering across the nation.

Rhode Island will show The People’s Truth documentary on Jan 6th in Middletown RI. Tickets must be purchased ahead of the show time. The film will play tonight. Tickets are not available at the door, must be purchased online ahead of show time.

gather.us/screening/31058

7:30p tonight – arrive 15min early as film will play at 7:30 without any previews.

Purchase your tickets TODAY! and share/forward the email to others to view the film too. Gathr.us/screening/31058

Facebook Event is also online and makes inviting friends simpler. This event page was created by Health Choice Rhode Island. Facebook.com/events/947816068911154

More details of the film and other locations in CT & MA —> http://www.vaxxed2.com

We wanted to share the film coming local as it is the sequal to VaxXed. We have not viewed this film yet ourselves, but are hopeful it also reveals key points the public should see and know.

.
Aimee Gardiner
Director
NOHPVmandateRI.com

Film hosted by = HealthChoiceRI.org

The People’s Truth

A few years ago VaxXed toured the nation and RI had a viewing at the Avon Theatre in Providence. The documentary showed the connection of coverup and deception from within the CDC.

The sequel The People’s Truth is premiering across the nation.

Rhode Island will show The People’s Truth documentary on Jan 6th in Middletown RI. Tickets must be purchased ahead of the show time. There was an original showing of Dec 2nd, due to circumstances out of our control it had to be rescheduled.

If you had reserved your ticket for the original date and time you need to reserve your ticket again, as it is not assumed the new date works in your schedule.

gathr.us/screening/31058

70 total tickets must be reserved before Dec 20th for the show to green light and be confirmed.

 

Purchase your tickets TODAY! and share/forward the email to others to view the film too.   Gathr.us/screening/31058

Facebook Event is also online and makes inviting friends simpler. This event page was created by Health Choice Rhode Island. Facebook.com/events/947816068911154

More details of the film and other locations in CT & MA —> www.vaxxed2.com

We wanted to share the film coming local as it is the sequal to VaxXed. We have not viewed this film yet ourselves, but are hopeful it also reveals key points the public should see and know.

Aimee Gardiner

Director

NOHPVmandateRI.com

Film hosted by = HealthChoiceRI.org

It’s not over. Make your voice heard TODAY

 

The medical tracking bill is dangerously close to passing.  This is our last day to stop it!  Please, please Blind Carbon Copy (BCC) one email to the entire general assembly urging them to VOTE AGAINST H 5541A / S 676A.  Simply copy paste the emails listed below into the BCC line of your email. Then leave at message on Governor’s phone line.

 

Sample email:

Subject:  I do NOT consent. Oppose H5541A Floor Vote TODAY

“Distinguished Lawmakers of Rhode Island,

 

I respectfully urge you reject H 5541A. This bill is invasive and dis-empowering.  The database may include an enormous amount of sensitive information that I do not wish to share with unknown entities.  Additionally, if our information is deleted from the registry, we may be auto-enrolled back into it whenever we see a new doctor.  This would require that we opt out repeatedly!   Please do not allow RIDOH to impose medical tracking upon law abiding and largely unsuspecting people.

 

The CDC states these databases should be by choice “Choice – Parents must be allowed to choose whether to participate in the IIS”. (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/about.html) This database should be opt-in only with written consent. This is the only way to protect ourselves against invasions of privacy, data sharing, data hacking and a whole host of unforeseen consequences. Opt in also respects the right to privacy in our papers as guaranteed in the 4th amendment of the constitution.

 

Respectfully yours,”

Copy and Paste List for House – BCC an email to full house of representatives

rep-blazejewski@rilegislature.gov
rep-walsh@rilegislature.gov
rep-kislak@rilegislature.gov
rep-Ranglin-Vassell@rilegislature.gov
rep-hull@rilegislature.gov
rep-mckiernan@rilegislature.gov
rep-lombardi@rilegislature.gov
rep-williams@rilegislature.gov
rep-slater@rilegislature.gov
rep-diaz@rilegislature.gov
rep-almeida@rilegislature.gov
rep-mendez@rilegislature.gov
rep-lima@rilegislature.gov
rep-mattiello@rilegislature.gov
rep-millea@rilegislature.gov
rep-jacquard@rilegislature.gov
rep-handy@rilegislature.gov
rep-mcnamara@rilegislature.gov
rep-bennett@rilegislature.gov
rep-Vella-Wilkinson@rilegislature.gov
rep-solomon@rilegislature.gov
rep-shekarchi@rilegislature.gov
rep-Shanley@rilegislature.gov
rep-noret@rilegislature.gov
rep-jackson@rilegislature.gov
rep-serpa@rilegislature.gov
rep-nardone@rilegislature.gov
rep-roberts@rilegislature.gov
rep-caldwell@rilegislature.gov
rep-Casimiro@rilegislature.gov
rep-craven@rilegislature.gov
rep-mcentee@rilegislature.gov
rep-tanzi@rilegislature.gov
rep-fogarty@rilegislature.gov
rep-filippi@rilegislature.gov
rep-azzinaro@rilegislature.gov
rep-kennedy@rilegislature.gov
rep-Price@rilegislature.gov
rep-chippendale@rilegislature.gov
rep-quattrocchi@rilegislature.gov
rep-ucci@rilegislature.gov
rep-fellela@rilegislature.gov
rep-costantino@rilegislature.gov
rep-ackerman@rilegislature.gov
rep-lyle@rilegislature.gov
rep-place@rilegislature.gov
rep-newberry@rilegislature.gov
rep-morin@rilegislature.gov
rep-casey@rilegislature.gov
rep-phillips@rilegislature.gov
rep-Marszalkowski@rilegislature.gov
rep-hawkins@rilegislature.gov
rep-obrien@rilegislature.gov
rep-corvese@rilegislature.gov
rep-maldonado@rilegislature.gov
rep-mclaughlin@rilegislature.gov
rep-tobon@rilegislature.gov
rep-barros@rilegislature.gov
rep-alzate@rilegislature.gov
rep-johnston@rilegislature.gov
rep-messier@rilegislature.gov
rep-kazarian@rilegislature.gov
rep-serodio@rilegislature.gov
rep-amore@rilegislature.gov
rep-cassar@rilegislature.gov
rep-Knight@rilegislature.gov
rep-marshall@rilegislature.gov
rep-donovan@rilegislature.gov
rep-edwards@rilegislature.gov
rep-canario@rilegislature.gov
rep-cortvriend@rilegislature.gov
rep-abney@rilegislature.gov
rep-ruggiero@rilegislature.gov
rep-carson@rilegislature.gov
admin@nohpvmandateri.com
governor@governor.ri.gov

 

Sample email:

Subject:  I do NOT consent. Oppose S676A Floor Vote

“Distinguished Lawmakers of Rhode Island,

 

I respectfully urge you reject S676 A.  This bill is invasive and dis-empowering.  The database may include an enormous amount of sensitive information that I do not wish to share with unknown entities.  Additionally, if our information is deleted from the registry, we may be auto-enrolled back into it whenever we see a new doctor.  This would require that we opt out repeatedly!   Please do not allow RIDOH to impose medical tracking upon law abiding and largely unsuspecting people.

 

The CDC states these databases should be by choice “Choice – Parents must be allowed to choose whether to participate in the IIS”. (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/about.html) This database should be opt-in only with written consent. This is the only way to protect ourselves against invasions of privacy, data sharing, data hacking and a whole host of unforeseen consequences.  Opt in also respects the right to privacy in our papers as guaranteed in the 4th amendment of the constitution.

 

Respectfully yours,”

Copy and Paste List for Senate – BCC an email to full senate

governor@governor.ri.gov
admin@nohpvmandateri.com
sen-Quezada@rilegislature.gov
sen-goldin@rilegislature.gov
sen-ruggerio@rilegislature.gov
sen-bell@rilegislature.gov
sen-metts@rilegislature.gov
sen-ciccone@rilegislature.gov
sen-cano@rilegislature.gov
sen-satchell@rilegislature.gov
sen-felag@rilegislature.gov
sen-Seveney@rilegislature.gov
sen-dipalma@rilegislature.gov
sen-euer@rilegislature.gov
sen-lawson@rilegislature.gov
sen-nesselbush@rilegislature.gov
sen-crowley@rilegislature.gov
sen-Paolino@rilegislature.gov
sen-conley@rilegislature.gov
sen-pearson@rilegislature.gov
sen-picard@rilegislature.gov
sen-rogers@rilegislature.gov
sen-archambault@rilegislature.gov
sen-delacruz@rilegislature.gov
sen-murray@rilegislature.gov
sen-lombardo@rilegislature.gov
sen-lombardi@rilegislature.gov
sen-gallo@rilegislature.gov
sen-miller@rilegislature.gov
sen-mccaffrey@rilegislature.gov
sen-mckenney@rilegislature.gov
sen-lynchprata@rilegislature.gov
sen-coyne@rilegislature.gov
sen-raptakis@rilegislature.gov
sen-morgan@rilegislature.gov
sen-valverde@rilegislature.gov
sen-sheehan@rilegislature.gov
sen-sosnowski@rilegislature.gov
sen-algiere@rilegislature.gov
sen-goodwin@rilegislature.gov

 

Call the Governor

CALL the Governor office to Oppose these bills. Leave a msg with staff to oppose S676 sub A and H5541 sub A, and she should refuse to sign into law if they pass the floor vote, by veto. That you want our governor to respect our rights to privacy and informed consent. She should only support OPT IN for such an invasive database.

Calling Governor Phone: (401).222.2080

 

If you don’t want to be automatically enrolled in a government database that the CDC states should be your choice then please oppose bills H5541 & S676. We’re counting on you. Thank you.

 

–Volunteer Team

 

 

P.S. To help us keep the fight strong, Donate at www.gifts.nohpvmandateri.com

 

 

You can still sign the petition against this database being formed in RI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to donate $15

Click here to donate $40

Click here to donate $75

 

 

 

 

RI DOH calls Advocates of Informed Consent – antivaxxers

PRESS RELEASE

 

June 17, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rhode Island Dept of Health makes statements that do Not match S676 / H5541 bill language. Then calls the citizens of RI, protecting their right to informed consent and medical data privacy, “anti vaxxers”.

Bills S676 sub A and H5541 sub A, are to develop a tracking database for all RI residents of all ages. The bills, if passed, will auto-enroll all citizens in RI, without the ability to remove your file from the database. In addition all Dept of Health agencies are exempt from federal HIPAA regulation. Permitting them to allow third party access as they see fit without the knowledge or consent of those contained in the database.

RIDOH asserts that the database is to track vaccinations received only. The language of the bills do not explicitly outline vaccinations only. “approved CDC data elements” is the language the bill will allow tracking fields to include. The page on CDC website explicitly states this list is not exclusive; “This list does not include all data elements external information systems such as EHRs, vital records, practice management or billing systems are expected to send to an IIS. The list may not include all data elements an IIS produces, stores or sends. Data elements may be derived and architectural solution may differ among IIS.” https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/core-data-elements/CDC-Endorsed-Data-Element-Definitions.xlsx

Neil P. Hytinen, Chief Public Affairs Officer and Legislative Liaison for RI Dept of Health, had an email exchange with RI Resident  Maddalena Cirignotta . His written statement asserts  “It is important to emphasize, however, that should RIDOH remove all of an individual’s identifiable information from RICAIR at any given point in time, RIDOH has no way of preventing future information from being entered into the database. Should more information be entered after the initial removal of all identifiable information, the individual must make subsequent opt-out requests to RIDOH. ”

Days later Neil Hytinen wrote an email to nurses and medical professionals in RI, calling anyone fighting against this intrusion of privacy “The antivaxxers” and continues by saying, “[antivaxxers] are flooding the inboxes of the House and Senate asking them to oppose our bill.” He proceeded to encourage the medical community to write to legislators using “small but formidable antivaccination lobby” is spreading misinformation in their email. https://nohpvmandateri.wordpress.com/2019/06/17/DOH-statements-do-not-match-bill-language    https://nohpvmandateri.wordpress.com/2019/06/17/ri-doh-calls-advocates-anti-vaxxers

“Neil represents the RI Dept of Health. His statements are condescending and incorrect. Citizens like Maddalena, myself, and informed consent advocates, continue to thoroughly vet bill language and question DOH statements. The core of the fight against these bills, is our right to be informed in addition to privacy of our papers as guaranteed in the 4th amendment.

Neil decided name calling and stereotyping was the correct mode of action. RI citizens have a right to know about how officials that represent our state are acting behind the scenes. Discrediting and ignoring educated and important questions.” Emphasized Aimee Gardiner, Informed Consent advocate, and Director of Rhode Islanders against mandated HPV vaccinations.

“Everyone should be concerned about this behavior and particularly these bills. Database information collection of any kind should be opt in. Neil’s own words explain how cumbersome the opt out process would be executed.”

Citizens who want to oppose this legislation should contact their personal legislators. The house will vote on H5541sub A this week.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Aimee Gardiner
Director, Rhode Islanders Against Mandated HPV Vaccinations
(401) 406.2647

 

About the Rhode Islanders Against Mandated HPV Vaccinations

Rhode Islanders Against Mandated HPV Vaccinations stands to reverse the HPV vaccine mandate in RI. We advocate for informed consent and to place the future process of vaccines considered for mandates in a form of complete public awareness and the ability for citizens to have a voice.  For more information please visit NoHPVmandateRI.com.

RI DOH calls advocates of privacy rights and informed consent “anti vaxxers” Over tracking database

Read email below from Tricia and Neil of RI Dept of Health

 

 

 

From: Washburn, Tricia (RIDOH) <Tricia.Washburn@health.ri.gov>
Date: Mon, Jun 17, 2019, 3:13 PM
Subject: Adult Immunization Registry
To: Washburn, Tricia (RIDOH) <Tricia.Washburn@health.ri.gov>

 

Good afternoon Friends and Pro Vaccination Allies,

 

The House will be voting on the 5541  SUB A our Lifetime Immunization Registry bill tomorrow and the Senate Bill 676 will be voted on by their chamber shortly thereafter. Thank you for all you have done to get us to this point and ahead of the votes I have one final ask.

 

The antivaxxers are flooding the inboxes of the House and Senate asking them to oppose our bill. If you could all reach out to your groups and ask them to email the House and Senate to support this legislation that would be extremely helpful. Below please find some standard language which would be great to be reinforced by the pro-vaccination community at large.

 

 

FOR THE HOUSE:

 

Subject line: Please Support the Immunization Registry 5541

 

Body:

 

Dear Representative,

 

My name is ___________ and I am writing to you today to ask you to support the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Lifetime Immunization Registry to be known as RICAIR. At a time when preventable diseases are making a resurgence across the country due to misinformation being spread by a small but formidable antivaccination lobby, we need this tool which 48 other states already have at their disposal in order to prepare and respond to outbreak. The childhood registry has been a huge success since it was established in 1997 allowing us to have some of the best immunization coverage in the nation up to age 18. It is time we establish a tool that allows us to protect our adult and elderly population equally.  The bill provides the ability to opt out of the registry. Opting out is an effective way to balance protecting our community while preserving individual rights and is supported by the CDC and World Health Organization.

 

I ask today that you support science, best public health practices, and our community by voting yes on H 5541.

 

Thank you for your consideration.

 

House of Representatives Emails:

 

rep-ajello@rilegislature.gov;rep-blazejewski@rilegislature.gov;rep-walsh@rilegislature.gov;rep-kislak@rilegislature.gov;rep-Ranglin-Vassell@rilegislature.gov;rep-hull@rilegislature.gov;rep-mckiernan@rilegislature.gov;rep-lombardi@rilegislature.gov;rep-williams@rilegislature.gov;rep-slater@rilegislature.gov;rep-diaz@rilegislature.gov;rep-almeida@rilegislature.gov;rep-mendez@rilegislature.gov;rep-lima@rilegislature.gov;rep-mattiello@rilegislature.gov;rep-millea@rilegislature.gov;rep-jacquard@rilegislature.gov;rep-handy@rilegislature.gov;rep-mcnamara@rilegislature.gov;rep-bennett@rilegislature.gov;rep-Vella-Wilkinson@rilegislature.gov;rep-solomon@rilegislature.gov;rep-shekarchi@rilegislature.gov;rep-Shanley@rilegislature.gov;rep-noret@rilegislature.gov;rep-jackson@rilegislature.gov;rep-serpa@rilegislature.gov;rep-nardone@rilegislature.gov;rep-roberts@rilegislature.gov;rep-caldwell@rilegislature.gov;rep-Casimiro@rilegislature.gov;rep-craven@rilegislature.gov;rep-mcentee@rilegislature.gov;rep-tanzi@rilegislature.gov;rep-fogarty@rilegislature.gov;rep-filippi@rilegislature.gov;rep-azzinaro@rilegislature.gov;rep-kennedy@rilegislature.gov;rep-price@rilegislature.gov;rep-chippendale@rilegislature.gov;rep-quattrocchi@rilegislature.gov;rep-ucci@rilegislature.gov;rep-fellela@rilegislature.gov;rep-costantino@rilegislature.gov;rep-ackerman@rilegislature.gov;rep-lyle@rilegislature.gov;rep-place@rilegislature.gov;rep-newberry@rilegislature.gov;rep-morin@rilegislature.gov;rep-casey@rilegislature.gov;rep-phillips@rilegislature.gov;rep-Marszalkowski@rilegislature.gov;rep-hawkins@rilegislature.gov;rep-obrien@rilegislature.gov;rep-corvese@rilegislature.gov;rep-maldonado@rilegislature.gov;rep-mclaughlin@rilegislature.gov;rep-tobon@rilegislature.gov;rep-barros@rilegislature.gov;rep-alzate@rilegislature.gov;rep-johnston@rilegislature.gov;rep-messier@rilegislature.gov;rep-kazarian@rilegislature.gov;rep-serodio@rilegislature.gov;rep-amore@rilegislature.gov;rep-cassar@rilegislature.gov;rep-Knight@rilegislature.gov;Rep-Speakman@rilegislature.gov;rep-donovan@rilegislature.gov;rep-edwards@rilegislature.gov;rep-canario@rilegislature.gov;rep-cortvriend@rilegislature.gov;rep-abney@rilegislature.gov;rep-ruggiero@rilegislature.gov;rep-carson@rilegislature.gov

 

 

FOR THE SENATE:

 

Subject line: Please Support the Immunization Registry 676

 

Body:

 

Dear Senator,

 

My name is ___________ and I am writing to you today to ask you to support the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Lifetime Immunization Registry to be known as RICAIR. At a time when preventable diseases are making a resurgence across the country due to misinformation being spread by a small but formidable antivaccination lobby, we need this tool which 48 other states already have at their disposal in order to prepare and respond to outbreak. The childhood registry has been a huge success since it was established in 1997 allowing us to have some of the best immunization coverage in the nation up to age 18. It is time we establish a tool that allows us to protect our adult and elderly population equally.  The bill provides the ability to opt out of the registry. Opting out is an effective way to balance protecting our community while preserving individual rights and is supported by the CDC and World Health Organization.

 

I ask today that you support science, best public health practices, and our community by voting yes on S 676.

 

Thank you for your consideration.

 

Rhode Island Senate Emails:

 

sen-goodwin@rilegislature.gov;sen-Quezada@rilegislature.gov;sen-goldin@rilegislature.gov;sen-ruggerio@rilegislature.gov;sen-bell@rilegislature.gov;sen-metts@rilegislature.gov;sen-ciccone@rilegislature.gov;sen-cano@rilegislature.gov;sen-satchell@rilegislature.gov;sen-felag@rilegislature.gov;sen-Seveney@rilegislature.gov;sen-dipalma@rilegislature.gov;sen-euer@rilegislature.gov;sen-lawson@rilegislature.gov;sen-nesselbush@rilegislature.gov;sen-crowley@rilegislature.gov;sen-Paolino@rilegislature.gov;sen-conley@rilegislature.gov;sen-pearson@rilegislature.gov;sen-picard@rilegislature.gov;sen-rogers@rilegislature.gov;sen-archambault@rilegislature.gov;sen-delacruz@rilegislature.gov;sen-murray@rilegislature.gov;sen-lombardo@rilegislature.gov;sen-lombardi@rilegislature.gov;sen-gallo@rilegislature.gov;sen-miller@rilegislature.gov;sen-mccaffrey@rilegislature.gov;sen-mckenney@rilegislature.gov;sen-lynch@rilegislature.gov;sen-coyne@rilegislature.gov;sen-raptakis@rilegislature.gov;sen-morgan@rilegislature.gov;sen-valverde@rilegislature.gov;sen-sheehan@rilegislature.gov;sen-sosnowski@rilegislature.gov;sen-algiere@rilegislature.gov

 

 

I want to sincerely thank you all for all you have done to get us to this point, now let’s get it over the finish line!

 

Best,

 

Neil P. Hytinen

Chief Public Affairs Officer and Legislative Liaison

Rhode Island Department of Health

3 Capitol Hill – Room 401

Providence, Rhode Island 02908

Tel. 401-222-1625

Dept of Health statements do NOT match bill language. Bad Database Bill fight forges forward

Read the email exchange below where DOH states comments not actually explicit defined in the bill. Neil also admits that the KidsNet database tracks many forms of information that you are not told is getting entered into a central database. Very concerning situation that everyone should be fighting against such databases. Unless a long term goal is to eventually go door to door, there is zero reason that informed consent shouldnt be the avenue in which to be included in such a database.

This bill will be heard in senate HHS committee Tues June 18th and on the house floor June 19 th to vote – contact as many legislators as possible to oppose. Email whole general assembly.

Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2019 7:45 AM
To: Washburn, Tricia (RIDOH) <Tricia.Washburn@health.ri.gov>; Hytinen, Neil (RIDOH) <Neil.Hytinen@health.ri.gov>Subject: [EXTERNAL] : Neil Hytanin presented false information regarding tracking bill H5541/S676

Good morning Tricia,

Yesterday afternoon (6/12/19), Neil Hytanin gave lawmakers false information regarding medical tracking bills H5541/S676. He told HEW committee members that the information of Rhode Islanders who opt out, would be removed from the data base. That is false. RIDOH does not currently expunge information nor is there any provision in the bill to compel them to. I’m writing to formally request documentation from RIDOH of his assertion that our medical information will be expunged if we opt-out of the medical registry.

Warmly,

Maddalena Cirignotta

——

From: Hytinen, Neil (RIDOH) <Neil.Hytinen@health.ri.gov>
Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2019 12:44 PMSubject: RE: [EXTERNAL] : Neil Hytanin presented false information regarding tracking bill H5541/S676

Good afternoon ,

Thank you for your inquiry. The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) have stated in multiple hearings that it is possible to remove all of an individual’s information from the Rhode Island Childhood and Adult Immunization Registry (RICAIR) should he or she choose to opt out. RIDOH plans to make that an option. We have heard your concerns regarding the accessibility of the form to avail oneself of the opt-out provision. In response to the concern you raised and in maintaining consistency with the current practice of contacting RIDOH, there is language included in the Sub A of the proposed legislation that will mandate an opt-out request form is available and submittable on RIDOH’s website.

It is important to emphasize, however, that should RIDOH remove all of an individual’s identifiable information from RICAIR at any given point in time, RIDOH has no way of preventing future information from being entered into the database. Should more information be entered after the initial removal of all identifiable information, the individual must make subsequent opt-out requests to RIDOH.

There is another option that individuals may want to consider. If there is basic information (name, date of birth, address, phone) for an individual, RIDOH can include a notation that this individual has requested no vaccination data be entered under his or her name.

So that individuals will have the chance to decide which option is best, RIDOH intends to allow the individual to designate on the form which option they choose.

RIDOH reiterates that the information included in the current immunization registry and what will be included in RICAIR is only a subset of the information that is included in KIDSNET. This seems to be a point of confusion. Immunization data is one portion of what is included in KIDSNET. In its totality, KIDSNET is a comprehensive data system RIDOH uses to manage multiple state and federal programs such as newborn screening, WIC, family home visiting, and lead prevention—all of which serve Rhode Islanders and keep them healthy.

RIDOH’s goal is not to just collect data to populate a lifetime registry. RIDOH’s goal is to build an effective registry that allows RIDOH staff to study vaccination rates in the community and guide Departmental strategies to achieve the high levels of immunization coverage necessary to keep Rhode Islanders protected from disease outbreaks. A lifetime registry will also allow RIDOH to better respond to disease outbreaks when they happen. 48 other states are already have authorization to establish lifetime registries (47 of which are already operational). Recently, the states of Washington and New York have experienced large outbreaks of preventable diseases, and public health officials have used the information contained in the lifetime registries to keep their citizens safe, save lives, and prevent unnecessary spending of healthcare dollars. States who have opt- in registries are not able to monitor vaccination rates and respond to outbreaks as effectively and efficiently as states with opt-out registries.

At a time when preventable diseases are making a resurgence around the country it is RIDOH’s duty and responsibility to do all it can to protect and preserve the public’s health.

Best,

Neil Hytinen

————–

To:”Hytinen, Neil (RIDOH)” <Neil.Hytinen@health.ri.gov>,
“Washburn, Tricia (RIDOH)” <Tricia.Washburn@health.ri.gov>

Hi Neil,

As a spokesperson for the Department of Health, it is imperative that you make truthful, fact based statements to lawmakers. Legislatures rely on RIDOH for accurate information.

Yesterday (6/12/19) during the consideration of H5541/S676, you told committee members that RIDOH will remove the information of those who opt out of the medical registry. As I stated in my original email, RIDOH does not currently expunge information nor is there any provision in the bill to compel them to. I’m writing to formally request documentation from RIDOH of your assertion that our medical information will be expunged if we opt-out of the medical registry. What part of the bill requires RIDOH to remove our information?

In response to your assertion that “the information included in the current immunization registry and what will be included in RICAIR is only a subset of the information that is included in KIDSNET,” The bill language removes age limitations for the medical database but does not limit RIDOH to tracking only immunization data. What part of the bill limits data collection to vaccinations?

“Provisions requiring the reporting of immunization status and any other relevant information that the director determines appropriate for all persons under the age of eighteen years for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a childhood an immunization registry,; provided, however, that the information collected by the department for the immunization registry will only include data elements nationally endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as necessary to meet standards for immunization information systems” http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText19/SenateText19/S0676.pdf http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText19/HouseText19/H5541.pdf

The list of data elements is 9 pages long and expressly pre-approves other data elements that individual may collect, again affording RIDOH enormous discretion with what they may collect. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/core-data-elements/iis-func-stds.html

If RIDOH only wishes to collect vaccination data, why does the department refuse to amend the language to vaccination only?

On a final note, you have stated that, “Recently, the states of Washington and New York have experienced large outbreaks of preventable diseases, and public health officials have used the information contained in the lifetime registries to keep their citizens safe, save lives, and prevent unnecessary spending of healthcare dollars.” Please keep in mind that the medical registry for adults in New York is OPT-IN ONLY WITH WRITTEN CONSENT and yet you have just indicated that the registry was effective.

Sincerely,

Maddalena Cirignotta

——-

From: Hytinen, Neil (RIDOH) <Neil.Hytinen@health.ri.gov>
Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2019 3:24 PM
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] : Neil Hytanin presented false information regarding tracking bill H5541/S676

Hi,

Yes as mentioned before we will have an option made available to remove information from RICAIR. Please accept this as documentation and the previous email as documentation even if the legislation is silent on the subject there will be that option. We are also fine with including language in statute. We would be happy to include the following language.

“Any person may opt out of the choose to remove their information from immunization registry by contacting the department directly by phone or by submitting a form online which shall be made available on the department’s website.”

As for limitations to what is collected the language in the bill reads as follows:

“information collected by the department for the immunization registry will only include data elements nationally endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to meet standards for immunization information systems.” Which can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/core-data-elements/iis-func-stds.html

Again RICAIR will be built as a separate database from KIDSNET and immunization data will be removed from both databases if requested.

Also attached are the ACIP recommended vaccines for both adults and children which are limitations that are set in current statute.

Finally, as mentioned before is the most effective way to ensure effective immunization coverage recommended by the CDC and WHO. It is an effective way to balance protecting our community while preserving individual rights.

Best,

Neil Hytinen

——–

Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2019 5:50PM
To: Hytinen, Neil (RIDOH) <Neil.Hytinen@health.ri.gov>; Washburn, Tricia (RIDOH) <Tricia.Washburn@health.ri.gov>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] : Neil Hytanin presented false information regarding tracking bill H5541/S676

Hi Neil,

Are you saying that the ONLY documentation you have that RIDOH will remove our information are your emails to me? Keep in mind that you sent them AFTER your statements to HEW and you have acknowledged that “the legislation is silent on the subject.”
Additionally, you mentioned that, “should RIDOH remove all of an individual’s identifiable information from RICAIR at any given point in time, RIDOH has no way of preventing future information from being entered into the database. Should more information be entered after the initial removal of all identifiable information, the individual must make subsequent opt-out requests to RIDOH.”
You are proposing a system which would require that we opt-out repeatedly yet we would receive no written confirmation that we have opted out in the first place. That is unreasonably burdensome to the public and contradicts your promises to lawmakers that the opt-out process would be simple.
Opt-in is the only way to protect the rights of individuals against data mining. I reiterate that the list of CDC approved data elements is 9 pages long and expressly pre-approves other data elements that individual may collect, again affording RIDOH enormous discretion with what they may collect. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/core-data-elements/iis-func-stds.html [cdc.gov]

Again, I ask If RIDOH only wishes to collect vaccination data, why does the department refuse to amend the language to vaccination only?

Sincerely,
Maddalena Cirignotta