The House Resolution from the Vermont House of Representatives urges all state agencies, departments, and offices to prioritize the protection of civil rights, medical confidentiality, and personal privacy for Vermonters diagnosed with autism. This call to action comes in response to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services' announcement of plans to create a federal autism research database, which raises concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive personal health information without informed consent. The resolution emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the rights of individuals with autism, who contribute significantly to the community and economy, and highlights the need for vigilance in protecting their data.
The resolution also references an Executive Order from the Governor of Illinois, which mandates strict compliance with privacy protections regarding the collection and use of information related to autism. It calls for similar measures in Vermont to ensure that personal data is only collected when necessary and not disclosed without proper conditions. The resolution concludes by directing the Clerk of the House to send copies to relevant federal and state officials to advocate for the protection of individuals with autism in Vermont.