The advocacy group Health Choice Vermont is urging Vermonters to contact their lawmakers in support of a proposed amendment to H.545, arguing the change would strengthen informed consent requirements for patients.

In a legislative update issued Friday, the group asked residents to email their state representatives and call the Vermont Sergeant at Arms before a potential vote next week in the Vermont House of Representatives.

The amendment, proposed by Rep. Greg Burtt (R-Cabot), would require that patients receive a “robust discussion of benefits and risks” before receiving vaccines or other medical treatments, according to the organization.

Supporters of H.545 say it supports traditional, responsible medical policy over the risker vaccination proposals put forth by Robert F. Kennedy, AHS Secretary.

Supporters of the amendment say the proposal would ensure Vermonters have an opportunity to review risks and benefits with their health care provider before making medical decisions for themselves or their families.

The amendment is expected to be considered when H.545 returns to the House floor, potentially on Tuesday.

According to Health Choice Vermont, the bill would expand the authority of the Vermont Department of Health commissioner over vaccine decisions in the state. The group also claims the legislation would provide additional liability protections for vaccine administrators, a provision it says is controversial.

The organization argues that because the bill could expand legal protections for providers, patients should be explicitly informed of those protections and given additional opportunity for discussion before consenting to vaccination.

Under the advocacy campaign, residents are being asked to email their representatives between March 6 and March 9 and to call the Sergeant at Arms office at 802-828-2228 before 9 a.m. on March 9 or March 10 to leave messages supporting the amendment.

Health Choice Vermont said the proposal is intended to “balance the intent of the bill” by ensuring patients receive what it describes as substantive informed consent during medical decision-making.

H.545 previously passed the House and returned for further consideration after being amended in the Vermont Senate. Debate on the measure is expected to continue during the current legislative session.