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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session
DHS; school immunizations; exclusions
Purpose
Asserts that immunizations against COVID-19 or any of its variants are not required for school attendance in Arizona.
Background
The Director of the Department of Health Services (DHS) must adopt rules: 1) prescribing required immunizations for school attendance; 2) approving means of immunization and indicating reinforcement of immunizations for diseases; and 3) identifying types of health agencies and health care providers that may sign laboratory evidence of immunity. The rules must include the required doses, recommended optimum ages for administration of the immunizations, persons who are authorized representatives to sign on behalf of a health agency and other necessary actions.
Under current statute, the human papillomavirus immunization is not required for school attendance in Arizona (A.R.S. § 36-672).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. States that immunization against COVID-19 or any of its variants is not required for school attendance in Arizona.
2. Requires an immunization to be required by DHS rule before the immunization is permitted to be required for in-person school attendance.
3. Asserts that these immunization stipulations do not inhibit a parent's right to make healthcare decisions for their minor child.
4. Makes technical and conforming changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
HHS 2/7/22 DP 5-4-0-0
ED 2/15/22 DP 6-4-0-0
3rd Read 2/24/22 31-28-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 7, 2022
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