Dan Coats: “Yes it does. In addition, the bill gives States sole discretion over case-by-case determinations relating to the…”

“Yes it does. In addition, the bill gives States sole discretion over case-by-case determinations relating to the exercise of authority in this area. No State is foreclosed from considering parents use of treatment by spiritual means. No State is required to prosecute parents in this area. But every State must have in place the authority to intervene to protect children in need. Let me also state that nothing in this bill should be interpreted as discouraging the reporting of suspected incidences of medical neglect to child protection services, where warranted.”