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SCR 37

HEALTH CARE: Requests the surgeon general to develop a plan relative to informed consent.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Fési

SCR 37 directs the Surgeon General to review and report on gaps in Louisiana’s informed consent laws for vaccinations and consider a specific vaccination-related statute.

Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate on 6/2/2026.
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Bill Summary · SCR 37

Summary of SCR 37 (2026, Louisiana)

Purpose and Intent

  • SCR 37 requests the Surgeon General to develop a plan related to informed consent for vaccinations and to report back to the Legislature.
  • The resolution aims to evaluate Louisiana’s current informed consent laws and identify any gaps or needs for possible new vaccination-specific requirements.

Key Provisions and Changes

Note: The bill text as introduced (and amended) is a concurrent resolution directing action rather than enacting statutory changes. The core elements reflected in the amendments include:

  • The Senate Committee amendments remove some wording related to “laws relative to” and specifically target the process for reviewing informed consent related to vaccinations.
  • The amendments acknowledge a concern that the Medical Disclosure Panel has not met since 2018, signaling a potential need to restore or update mechanisms for disclosure standards.
  • The resolution directs the Surgeon General to:
    • Review Louisiana’s informed consent laws and procedures, with a focus on vaccines.
    • Identify any gaps in current law related to informed consent for vaccinations.
    • Consider whether there is a need for a specific vaccination-related statute or law.
    • Provide recommendations or a report to the Legislature on updates to Louisiana’s informed consent process.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Health care providers involved in administering vaccines may be affected indirectly, insofar as any updated informed consent requirements become law or guidelines.
  • The Louisiana state government, including the Surgeon General, the Medical Disclosure Panel (assuming it is reactivated or its functions are mirrored), and legislators reviewing the report.
  • Patients and guardians receiving vaccinations, as updated informed consent standards could shape disclosures and consent practices.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill is a concurrent resolution (SCR), not a standalone statute, directing the Surgeon General to study and report.
  • Action history shows it was read and referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare (as of April 21, 2026).
  • The amendments from the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare refine language to focus specifically on informed consent for vaccinations and to address the status of the Medical Disclosure Panel and reporting recommendations.
  • There is no explicit deadline in the text provided for the Surgeon General to deliver the report; typically, such resolutions set a timeframe within the regular session or request a report by a future date, but the exact timeline would appear in the final enacted language or subsequent committee actions.

Potential Implications

  • If gaps are found, the Legislature could consider pursuing statutory changes to clarify or expand informed consent requirements for vaccinations.
  • Reinstating or reforming the Medical Disclosure Panel’s role may influence how disclosures are updated for medical and surgical procedures in general.
  • The bill fosters oversight and transparency by ensuring legislative review of vaccination-related informed consent practices.

Notes

  • The original digest emphasizes the intent to request a review of informed consent laws and to report on gaps or needs for a specific vaccination-related law.
  • This summary reflects the amendments that narrow and clarify the bill’s scope toward informed consent for vaccinations and potential updates to disclosure processes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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