BILL REQ. #:  Z-0977.2 

Read first time 01/18/10.   Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

     AN ACT Relating to exemption from immunization; 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)) certifications required by this section, on a form prescribed by the department of health((:)). The form must include a statement to be signed by a health care practitioner stating that he or she provided the signator with information about the benefits and risks of immunization.
     (((1))) (a) A written certification signed by ((any physician licensed to practice medicine pursuant to chapter 18.71 or 18.57 RCW)) a health care practitioner that a particular vaccine required by rule of the state board of health is, in his or her judgment, not advisable for the child: PROVIDED, That when it is determined that this particular vaccine is no longer contraindicated, the child will be required to have the vaccine;
     (((2))) (b) A written certification signed by any parent or legal guardian of the child or any adult in loco parentis to the child that the religious beliefs of the signator are contrary to the required immunization measures; ((and)) or
     (((3))) (c) A written certification signed by any parent or legal guardian of the child or any adult in loco parentis to the child that the signator has either a philosophical or personal objection to the immunization of the child.
     (2) For purposes of this section, "health care practitioner" means a physician licensed 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.