Florida Bill: SB 1756

Bill Summary

FL S1756, titled the Medical Freedom Act, establishes parental consent requirements for vaccine administration to minors by requiring healthcare practitioners to provide parents with CDC Vaccine Information Statements and risk-benefit materials before administration, obtain signed acknowledgment, and allow parents to request vaccines be administered over multiple visits. The bill prohibits vaccine manufacturers and healthcare practitioners from exchanging financial incentives for vaccine administration. It provides civil, criminal, and regulatory immunity for healthcare practitioners and pharmacists who prescribe, administer, or dispense ivermectin to adults in good faith, and authorizes pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription as a behind-the-counter medication. The bill also expands religious and conscience-based exemptions from school-entry immunization requirements and requires the Department of Health to make exemption forms and related materials publicly available online.

Why It Matters to MAHA

This bill directly advances core MAHA principles by empowering parents and patients with informed choice rather than mandates. By requiring transparent provision of vaccine information and parental consent for minors, the bill respects patient autonomy and family decision-making authority. The ivermectin provisions remove regulatory barriers that prevent access to treatments patients and practitioners believe may be beneficial, enabling therapeutic freedom and innovation. The bill eliminates perverse financial incentives that could compromise independent medical judgment and transparency. Expanding exemption access and ensuring easy availability of exemption forms removes barriers to healthcare freedom and respects diverse medical philosophies and personal health values.