HB2058

THE CONTEXT: 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.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would instruct 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, stipulate 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, and limit 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.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to turn the Legislature's standard for immunizations into an enforceable rule. It would instruct 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, and would also stipulate 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, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.