HF 2347 (LSB 5339HV (1) 91)

HOUSE FILE 2347

BY  COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

(SUCCESSOR TO HSB 605)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to requirements for immunization exemption notifications by public health agencies.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 139A.2, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  19A.  “Public health agency” means the same as defined in section 135D.2.
    Sec. 2.  Section 139A.8, subsection 4, paragraph c, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
   c.  Information regarding exemptions and the requirements for an exemption under this subsection shall be included in any public communication following the by the department relating to a recommendation of an immunization by the department issued pursuant to subsection 2, shall be included and in any communication regarding immunizations to a parent or legal guardian from a school, and immunization requirements under this section prepared or disseminated by a school or public health agency. The information shall be published on the as follows:
   (1)  On the internet sites of and included in all elementary schools, secondary schools, licensed child care centers, and public health agencies.
   (2)  In registration documentation for all elementary schools, secondary schools, and licensed child care centers.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to notification to the public by public health agencies (agencies) of medical and religious exemptions (exemptions) available for certain immunization requirements.
   Current law requires information regarding exemptions to immunization requirements for children enrolled in any licensed child care center (center), or elementary or secondary school (school), to be included in any public communication following an immunization recommendation by the department of health and human services (HHS). This information is also required to be included in any communication from a child’s school to the child’s parent or legal guardian regarding immunizations, and to be published on the internet site of and included in registration documentation for all schools and licensed centers.
   The bill requires that information on exemptions be included in any communication related to a recommendation of an immunization issued by HHS. The bill also requires that information on exemptions be included in any communication disseminated or prepared by a school or agency relating to immunization requirements for enrollment of a child in any licensed center or school. The bill requires agencies to publish information on immunization exemptions to their internet sites.