Moving the Needle

Hoosiers,

This year’s legislative season has been strange at best. 
​Just as quickly as it came, it has ended.

We saw some amazing language presented (HB 1196, HB 1224, and the bodily integrity portions of SB 174), which promptly died from inaction.

However, we also scored a MAJOR WIN by killing the terrible language for School-Based Clinics from SB174.

Make no mistake, while we strive every year to pass good policies, it is even more important to STOP BAD IDEAS from becoming law.

Thanks to each of you, H4ML is the most effective medical liberty group in Indiana at stopping bad ideas!
So, take a bow. You deserve it!

In addition, because of your relentless pressure over the past 5 years and thirst for Medical liberty, the wheels of progress have slowly been turning in the background on another fight.

We have a small policy advancement victory for a tiny (but mighty) group... I will warn you, this particular victory is still falling short.
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Let’s celebrate first.

Senator Tyler Johnson (R-14) pushed to add language to SB 204 that ensures vaccination cannot be a condition for participating in clinical rotations if the students have sincerely held religious beliefs that prevent vaccination.
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Historically, language written by other legislators surrounding this issue was weak “political immunization” that would have only helped students at certain state colleges. Even then, it would NOT have addressed clinical site rejection, where the true problem lies and students are denied careers.
This language, by Senator Johnson, directly addresses the clinical site's rejection of students!

Again, this is only because of all of you

Specifically, it was your relentless pressure and allowing your stories to be shared with Senator Johnson that moved this part of the needle.
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Over the past several years, we have worked tirelessly alongside YOU to ensure students make it into their programs. We have been able to support many in securing exemptions, but others have not been so lucky. Each of you contributed to the body of knowledge we were able to pass along.

We have brave students pushing back against institutional policy, and, thanks to their research and persistence, we were able to provide Sen. Johnson with the details and policies he needed to move this language forward.

Though a step in the right direction, this bill has some serious limitations and it hasn’t made it across the finish line.

It will require the Governor’s signature and, even then, will not go into effect until July 1st, 2026.

Let’s say the bill passes and becomes law. There are a few things you need to know.

• While this applies to many health care professionals, it leaves some out. For example, EMT, EMS, Sonographers, radiology technicians, and more. (See below for a list of those it does cover)
• There is no enforcement mechanism written into this language. No penalties. No complaint process. No clear oversight.
• It only protects religious objections; this does not eliminate religious tests and other harassment from clinical sites or educational institutions.
• As always, there is concern for loopholes.

This is a step, but it is not complete protection. And without enforcement, protections can become suggestions.

Hoosiers, we are seeing the fruits of our labors, but we must not back down.

All Hoosiers deserve medical liberty, and our laws must be strong, enforceable, and effective in real life, not just on paper, especially with the ever increasing propaganda and expanding divide in the medical field over vaccinations.

We will keep you updated on how all of this unfolds.

If you have students who are applying to schools for medical professions and are scared, please reach out. We would love to help.

​Every time we help a student, we are able to use what what we have learned to help others.

Stay engaged.
Stay informed.
And keep holding the line.

In Liberty,
Ashley
Hoosiers for Medical Liberty

P.S. We are completely donor-funded. The work we do is thanks to everyday Hoosiers just like you. Can you chip in $35, $15, or even $5 to support the cause?

P.P.S. If you want medical liberty minded legislators in the state house, we need your help. The first step is identifying the. We use our Candidate Survey to do just that.  Legislators unwilling to fill out our short survey are unlikely to actually fight for liberty when it counts. Print a copy today and share it with the candidates in your area! 

​P.P.P.S I almost forgot…

Now, who does SB204 apply to?
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The protection applies to students preparing for professions regulated under IC 25-0.5-11. That includes programs tied to boards such as:

• Medical Licensing Board of Indiana
• Indiana State Board of Nursing
• State Board of Dentistry
• Indiana Board of Pharmacy
• Indiana Optometry Board
• Board of Chiropractic Examiners
• Board of Podiatric Medicine
• Indiana Board of Physical Therapy
• Respiratory Care Committee
• Occupational Therapy Committee
• Physician Assistant Committee
• Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board
• Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board
• State Psychology Board
• Indiana State Board of Health Facility Administrators
• Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine
• Indiana Athletic Trainers Board
• Behavior Analyst Committee

If a program prepares students for licensure under one of those boards and requires off-site clinical training, this language would apply.