Bill > B26-0496

This bill amends two existing District of Columbia laws to expand the sources of immunization guidelines that healthcare providers can use when ordering and administering vaccines. Specifically, the bill allows healthcare providers to follow immunization recommendations not just from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), but also from other competent medical or public health organizations designated by the Director of the Department of Health through a public notice. The changes apply to both general health occupations regulations and laws governing vaccination of minors. By broadening the acceptable sources of immunization guidelines, the bill provides healthcare providers with more flexibility in determining appropriate vaccination protocols while maintaining a standard of expertise through the requirement that alternative organizations be deemed "competent" by the Department of Health Director. The act is an emergency measure that will remain in effect for up to 90 days, subject to typical mayoral approval processes, and is designed to quickly update existing vaccination guidelines to potentially include recommendations from a wider range of reputable medical sources.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0496