BILL REQ. #:  S-2174.1 

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) Except for community and technical colleges, each degree-granting public or private postsecondary residential campus that provides on-campus or group housing shall provide information on meningococcal disease to each enrolled matriculated first-time student. Community and technical colleges must provide the information only to those 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) Information on the vaccination that may prevent the student from contracting the disease, that students in the high-risk group consider receiving the vaccine, and where the vaccination can be received.
     (2) This section shall not be construed to require the department of health or the postsecondary educational institution to provide the vaccination to students.
     (3) The department of health shall be consulted regarding the preparation of the information materials provided to the first-time students.
     (4) This section does not create a private right of action.

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