READ FIRST TIME 03/05/03.   

     AN ACT Relating to provision of meningococcal immunization information to first-time students by degree-granting postsecondary educational institutions; adding a new section to chapter 70.54 RCW; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 70.54 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Each degree-granting public or private postsecondary educational institution that provides on-campus or group housing shall provide information on meningococcal disease to, at a minimum, those students or prospective students who are offered on-campus or group housing. The information about meningococcal disease shall include:
     (a) Symptoms, risks, especially as the risks relate to circumstances of group living arrangements, and treatment; and
     (b) Current recommendations from the United States centers for disease control and prevention regarding the receipt of vaccines for meningococcal disease and where the vaccination can be received.
     (2) Each postsecondary educational institution shall place the information on the residential housing application, contract, or agreement that is received or agreed to by the student before taking possession of the residence.
     (3) This section shall not be construed to require the department of health or the postsecondary educational institution to provide the vaccination to students.
     (4) The department of health shall be consulted regarding the preparation of the information materials provided to the first-time students.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act takes effect July 1, 2004.