BILL REQ. #:  H-1657.2 

READ FIRST TIME 02/18/09.   

     AN ACT Relating to child immunization exemptions; and amending RCW 28A.210.090.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 28A.210.090 and 1991 c 3 s 290 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Any child shall be exempt in whole or in part from the immunization measures required by RCW 28A.210.060 through 28A.210.170 upon the presentation of any one or more of the following, on a form prescribed by the department of health:
     (((1))) (a) A ((written certification)) certificate of exemption signed by ((any physician licensed to practice medicine pursuant to chapter 18.71 or 18.57 RCW)) a health care practitioner stating that a particular vaccine or vaccines required by rule of the state board of health is or are, in his or her medical judgment, not advisable for the child: PROVIDED, That when it is determined that ((this)) a particular vaccine is no longer contraindicated, the child will be required to have the vaccine;
     (((2))) (b) A ((written certification)) certificate of exemption signed by any parent or legal guardian of the child, or ((any adult in loco parentis to the child)) other person authorized by rules of the state board of health, stating that the religious beliefs of the signator are contrary to the required immunization measures; ((and)) or
     (((3))) (c) A ((written certification)) certificate of exemption that includes both:
     (i) A certification signed and dated by any parent or legal guardian of the child or ((any adult in loco parentis to the child that the signator has either)) other person authorized by rules of the state board of health, requesting the exemption on the basis of a philosophical or personal ((objection to the immunization of the child)) belief that includes the following:
     (A) The particular vaccine or vaccines for which an exemption is being requested, and an explanation of the reasons for requesting the exemption;
     (B) A short explanation that sets forth the strength and duration of the belief that a vaccination or immunization is inappropriate for the child and demonstrates some understanding of the risks and benefits of vaccination to the child and to public health; and
     (C) An acknowledgement that the child may be prohibited from attending school during an outbreak of a disease for which the child has not been immunized; and
     (ii) A certification signed and dated by a health care practitioner stating that the parent, legal guardian, or other person authorized by rules of the state board of health received information about the benefits and risks of immunization.
     (2) For purposes of this section, "health care practitioner" means a physician licensed to practice medicine under chapter 18.71 or 18.57 RCW, a naturopath licensed under chapter 18.36A RCW, a physician assistant licensed under chapter 18.71A or 18.57A RCW, or an advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW.