SB 5291-S.2E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares that the long-term care resident and employee immunization act is intended to:

     (1) Prevent and reduce the occurrence and severity of the influenza virus and pneumococcal disease by increasing the use of immunizations licensed by the food and drug administration;

     (2) Avoid pain, suffering, and deaths that may result from the influenza virus and pneumococcal disease;

     (3) Improve the well-being and quality of life of residents and employees of long-term care facilities; and

     (4) Reduce avoidable costs associated with treating the influenza virus and pneumococcal disease.

     Requires long-term care facilities to:  (1) Provide access on-site or make available elsewhere for all residents to obtain the influenza virus immunization on an annual basis;

     (2) Require that each resident, or the resident's legal representative, upon admission to the facility, be informed verbally and in writing of the benefits of receiving the influenza virus immunization and, if not previously immunized against pneumococcal disease, the benefits of the pneumococcal immunization.