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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
parental notification; school immunization exemptions
Purpose
Requires any school communication regarding school immunization requirements to a parent, guardian or person in loco parentis to include information about school immunization exemptions.
Background
The Director of the Department of Health Services (DHS) must adopt rules prescribing: 1) the required immunizations for school attendance; 2) the approved means of immunization; and 3) the types of health agencies and health care providers that may sign a laboratory evidence of immunity. A student in a public, private or parochial school may not be allowed to attend school without submitting documentary proof of immunization to the school administrator, unless the student receives an exemption. If a school administrator does not have documentary proof of immunization from a student and the student is not exempt as outlined, the school administrator must suspend the student on enrollment. Each public school must fully disclose the prescribed immunization requirements and exemptions. (A.R.S. § 15-872).
A student is exempt from the requirement for documentary proof of
immunization if:
1) the parent or guardian of a student submits a signed statement to the school
administrator stating that the parent or guardian has received information
about immunizations provided by DHS, understands the risks and benefits of
immunization and the potential risks of nonimmunization and that the parent or
guardian does not consent to the immunization of the student; or 2) the school
administrator receives written certification that is signed by the parent or
guardian and a physician or registered nurse practitioner that states that one
or more of the required immunizations may be detrimental to the student's
health and indicates the specific nature and probable duration of the medical
condition or circumstance that precludes immunization. A student who lacks
documentary proof of immunization may not attend school during outbreak periods
of communicable immunization-preventable diseases (A.R.S.
§ 15-873).
Immunization is the process of inoculation with a specific antigen to promote antibody formation in the body. Documentary proof means written evidence that a student has been immunized or has laboratory evidence of immunity, as prescribed (A.R.S. § 15-871).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires any communication regarding school immunization requirements to a parent, guardian or person in loco parentis to include information about school immunization exemptions.
2. Makes technical changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
ED 2/4/25 DP 7-4-0-1
3rd Read 2/25/25 33-27-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 24, 2025
MH/SDR/ci