regarded as a covered entity as defined in the privacy regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ( 42 U.S.C. 1320d–2 note). (55) The policy of the United States is to recognize, defend, and protect the inherent rights of the individual, including the right to privacy, the right of liberty, the right to be secure in one’s person, the right of the individual to be informed about any medical procedures, treatment, or vaccination, and the right of the individual to provide or withhold consent to such procedures, treatment, or vaccination. (56) Congress recognizes that special vigilance is required, especially in times of crisis or emergency to ensure that government agencies do not try to take advantage of, manipulate, or inflame public fear, stoke hatred of minority groups, or increase intolerance toward the diversity that builds our Nation. (57) Congress finds that there is a clear need for the Federal Government to take specific action to restore public trust by protecting the privacy and voluntary informed consent rights of patients specifically regarding vaccinations and an individual’s vaccination records. (58) Furthermore, the protection of such individual rights to make one’s own medical decisions in consultation with his or her health care provider without fear of coercion, forced vaccination, loss of civil liberties, or risk of adverse employment action is especially needed at a time when it is critical for our Nation to increase public trust in vaccinations and increase vaccination rates in order to end the COVID–19 pandemic. 3. Severability (a) In general If any provision of this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, or the application of any such provision or amendment to any person or circumstance is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act, including any amendment made by this Act, and the application of such provisions and amendments to any person or circumstance shall not be affected. (b) Effect of partial