ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-seventh Legislature

First Regular Session

HB 2058: school immunizations; exemption; adult students

S/E: immunizations; proof; exemptions; higher education

Sponsor: Representative Fink, LD 27

Committee on Education

Summary of the Strike-Everything Amendment to HB 2058

Overview

Establishes disclosure and exemption requirements relating to immunizations for higher education institutions.

History

Statute defines documentary proof as written evidence that a pupil has been immunized or has laboratory evidence of immunity that conforms with the standards set by the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) director, in consultation with the Superintendent of Public Instruction (A.R.S. §§ 15-871, 15-872 and 36-672).

DHS standards for documentary proof of immunization or immunity require a school or childcare administrator to accept specified documents as documentary proof of immunization. These documents must contain prescribed information, including the: 1) child's name; 2) child's date of birth; 3) type of vaccine administered; and 4) month, day and year of each immunization (A.A.C. R9-6-704).

According to the Arizona Immunization Handbook, state law does not address or mandate immunization requirements for colleges and universities. Immunization requirements are made by the individual colleges and universities (DHS Arizona Immunization Handbook).

Provisions

1. Instructs a higher education institution that requires students to submit documentary proof of immunization or immunity to enroll in or attend the institution to fully disclose the immunization requirements and exemptions to prospective students. (Sec. 1)

2. Stipulates a higher education institution must exempt any student who is at least 18 years old from the requirement to submit documentary proof of immunization or immunity if the student submits either:

a) a signed statement that the student:

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

ii. does not consent to the immunizations due to personal beliefs, including religious beliefs; or

b) a written certification that:

i. is signed by the student and a physician or registered nurse practitioner;

ii. states the required immunizations may be detrimental to the student's health; and

iii. indicates the specific nature and probable duration of the medical condition or circumstance that precludes immunization. (Sec. 1)

3. Limits the exemption for a student who is precluded from immunization due to medical conditions to the duration of the circumstance or condition that precludes immunization. (Sec. 1)

4. Defines documentary proof. (Sec. 1)

5. Includes, in higher education institution, an Arizona public university, a community college or a career technical education district that provides instruction to adult students. (Sec. 1)

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9. HB 2058

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