BILL REQ. #:  H-0971.2 

Read first time 02/11/2003.   Referred to Committee on Health Care.

     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 each first-time student who has been accepted for admission. The information about meningococcal disease shall include:
     (a) Symptoms, risks, especially as the risks relate to circumstances of group living arrangements, and treatment;
     (b) A recommendation that each first-time student receive the vaccination to prevent the student from contracting the disease and where the vaccination can be received; and
     (c) A response form with space in which to indicate that the first-time student has received the information about meningococcal disease and the availability of the vaccine to prevent the student from contracting the disease, whether or not he or she has chosen to receive the vaccination, and his or her signature. In the case of a student who is a minor, the student's parent or guardian shall sign the response form on behalf of the minor student.
     (2) Each postsecondary educational institution shall maintain the confidentiality of information obtained on the form.
     (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.