ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-seventh Legislature

First Regular Session

 

HB 2058: school immunizations; exemption; adult students

Sponsor: Representative Fink, LD 27

Committee on Education

Overview

Exempts an adult student from being required to provide documentary proof of immunization or immunity for admission to a school if the student submits a signed statement as specified.

History

The Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) director must adopt rules prescribing the required immunizations for school attendance, as well as standards for documentary proof of immunization or immunity. Documentary proof is written evidence that a student has been immunized or has laboratory evidence of immunity (A.R.S. §§ 15-871, 15-872, 36-672).

A student may not attend a public, private or parochial school that offers instruction at any level or grade through the 12th grade without submitting documentary proof to the school administrator. However, statute provides two exemptions from this requirement. A student's parent may submit a signed statement to the school administrator that states the parent: 1) received information about immunizations from DHS; 2) understands the risks and benefits of immunizations and potential risks of nonimmunization; and 3) does not consent to the student's immunization due to personal beliefs. A student may be medically exempted from being required to submit documentary proof if the school administrator receives written certification that: 1) is signed by the student's guardian and a physician or nurse practitioner; 2) states that the required immunizations may be detrimental to the student's health; and 3) indicates the nature and duration of the conditions that preclude immunization (A.R.S. § 15-873).

Provisions

1.   Exempts a student who is at least 18 years old from being required to provide documentary proof for admission to a school if the student submits a signed statement to the school administrator stating that the student:

a)   has received information about immunizations provided by DHS and understands the risks and benefits of immunizations and the potential risks of nonimmunization; and

b)   does not consent to the immunization due to personal beliefs. (Sec. 1)

2.   Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

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