Introduced By: Reps. Barr and Menard
Date Introduced : January 8, 1998
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 16-38-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-38 entitled "Offenses Pertaining to Schools" is hereby amended to read as follows:
16-38-2. Immunization. -- {ADD (a) ADD} Every person upon entering any public or private school including any college or university in this state as a pupil shall furnish to the administrative head of the school evidence that the person has been immunized against such diseases as may from time to time be prescribed by regulation of the director of health and tested for tuberculosis, or a certificate from a licensed physician stating that the person is not a fit subject for immunization for medical reasons, or a certificate signed by the pupil, if over eighteen (18) years of age, or by the parent or guardian stating that immunization and/or testing for communicable diseases is contrary to that person's religious beliefs. It shall be the responsibility of the administrative head of the school to secure compliance with these regulations.
{ADD (b) Every child more than twenty four (24) months of age, resident in the State of Rhode Island, shall be eligible to receive the immunization against meningococcal disease. The Department of Health shall include meningococcal vaccine in the department's immunization program, established by 23-1-44. ADD}
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on September 1, 1998.
