Oregon's Experience Passing Legislation to Expand the Immunization Information System (IIS) to Lifespan

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to understand key concepts needed to pass legislation authorizing Oregon's IIS to move from childhood to lifespan.

Background:
In 1996, Oregon passed initial legislation to develop Oregon Immunization ALERT, the childhood immunization registry. The legislation allowed for the exchange of immunization information among authorized users for Oregon children age 0 to 18. In 2007, Oregon expanded the scope of this legislation to include adults as well.

Setting:
The current Oregon IIS focuses on ages 0 to 18, but includes a growing amount of adult data as well. Oregon's childhood IIS is neither opt-in nor opt-out, as the legislation authorizing including all Oregon children for public health purposes. Oregon's registry, however, is completely voluntary for providers. Currently, 91% of public and private providers submit data to the IIS.

Population:
Oregon is a state of 3.7 million, and 76.7% of the population is 18 years and older. As of 2006, 28% of Oregonians 19 years and older had at least two shots included in the IIS.

Project Description:
In 2006, Oregon began planning for the 2007 legislative session. Significant project areas included:
• Amassing a strong legislative task force
• Following up with known organizations who previously opposed the legislation
• Drafting language for legislation
• Developing a thorough information packet to educate stakeholders about the legislation
• Creating a comprehensive list of stakeholders and interested parties to contact in advance of legislative hearings
• Coordinating representative testimony for legislative hearings

Results/Lessons Learned:
Both the House and Senate hearings included strong testimony from numerous key partners and stakeholders. The registry expansion legislation was passed smoothly through both chambers, and will go into effect in January 2008. The Immunization Program was recognized by state public health partners for introducing a model process for the passage of future public health legislation.