Bill > S1517

This bill aims to promote community immunity by establishing a framework for immunization requirements and exemptions in various covered programs, such as schools, childcare centers, and institutions of higher education. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring covered programs to comply with immunization requirements set forth in a new chapter (Chapter 111P) of the General Laws. 2. Allowing two types of exemptions - medical and religious - with standardized application forms and a review process by the Department of Public Health. 3. Requiring covered programs to report immunization and exemption rates to the Department, which will then publish this data publicly. 4. Designating programs that have not achieved "herd immunity" as "elevated risk" and requiring them to provide additional notices and information to responsible adults. 5. Empowering the Department to develop regulations, guidelines, and outreach efforts to support the delivery of accurate information about immunizations and herd immunity. The bill aims to promote community immunity by increasing transparency and accountability around immunization rates in various educational and childcare settings.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S1517