These days, there’s a ‘bill of rights’ for everyone. Hospitals now post signs listing a Patients Bill of Rights. Retail stores prominently display Customers Bill of Rights posters. The IRS has issued a Taxpayer Bill of Rights. There is even a Facebook Bill of Rights!
International travelers have rights too, and Congress agrees. Last year, the International Travelers Bill of Rights Act (H.R. 3099) was introduced to ensure that international travelers were provided with travel health and safety advice about their destinations. The legislation is directed at websites that provide international travel services to the traveling public At present, these internet based companies are not required to provide travelers with any health or safety information.
The law would require that companies alert booking travelers about:
- State Department warnings and travel alerts
- Availability of a physician or nurse at the destination
- Availability of a cardiac defibrillator with CPR trained personnel
- Presence of lifeguards
Importantly, if a web company did not post required travel safety information, then the law would requires a prominent notice on the website that health and safety information is not being provided, so the traveler can consider the importance of this omission.
Travelers, don’t celebrate your new rights yet, because this bill is not quite the law of the land just yet. This House bill was referred to the appropriate committee in June 2009, and no further action has been taken. Keep in mind that most bills never make it out of committee, so it is unlikely that the bill will ever become law. Congress is moving at its usual glacial pace.
Which of the following activities is most exciting for spectators?
- Watching paint dry
- Attending graduations at Big Ten Universities when all graduates’ names are read
- Watching the legislative process in action
For now, travelers still need to take their own responsbility for obtaining travel health and safety information. Don’t expect congress to act on your behalf. Perhaps, we need a Citizens’ Bill of Rights The first listing could be our right to have legislators that actually do their job.
There is no law requiring that travelers use common sense. Travelers should see a travel physician before departure to discuss important travel vaccinations and travel safety advice. While this is not a legal requirement, it is the right thing to do.
Since I know I have to be responsible for my own health when I travel abroad, I am grateful for the the knowledgable physician who provided my pre-travel advice and immunizations at Travel Clinics of America.
I have traveled a lot for business and never got sick on my trips. I did have Hepatitis A and B vaccines and many others. I guess it’s like buying fire insurance. It is unlikely that you will ever need it but if you do, you will be glad you have been paying premiums all those years. I hope legislation passes for the safety of all of us.
With that influenza in Canada presumingly developing more intense, should you accept your loved ones to have the flu vaccine? I do fully understand where exactly We stand, We would probably under no circumstances let that vaccine anywhere near to my family! What exactly are your actual views?