WSR 97-24-014

PROPOSED RULES

SUPERINTENDENT OF

PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

[Filed November 21, 1997, 3:23 p.m.]

Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 97-19-065.

Title of Rule: Quick verification of immunization records.

Purpose: Provides procedures for schools to quickly verify the immunization records of students transferring from one school to another before the original immunization records are received.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28A.210.150.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 28A.210.150.

Summary: Currently only the chief administrator of the new school has the authority to verify the immunization status of transferring students.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: To permit the chief administrator to designate other school staff to verify immunization status.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Judy Maire, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Olympia, (360) 753-2744; Implementation: LEAS, state-wide; and Enforcement: Linda Johnson, Department of Health, Olympia, (360) 753-3495.

Name of Proponent: Judy Maire, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, public.

Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: Will give school office staff the authority to verify immunization records.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: Current WAC requires the chief administrator of the new school to verify the immunization status of the student prior to excluding the student. If language is added permitting the administrator or administrator's designee to verify immunization status by telephonic or electronic communication, school office staff could perform this function thus relieving the administrator or school nurse of the duty.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: Would permit the chief administrator to delegate the verification of immunization records to office staff or other school employees. Currently only the administrator or the school nurse can verify immunization records.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Not indicated. The rule will have a minor or negligible economic impact.

RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption.

Hearing Location: Wanamaker Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Old Capitol Building, 600 South Washington Street, Olympia, WA 98504-7200, on January 13, 1998, at 9:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Jim Rich by December 30, 1997, TDD (360) 664-3631, or (360) 753-6733.

Submit Written Comments to: Rules Coordinator, Legal Services, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504, FAX (360) 753-4201, by January 12, 1998.

Date of Intended Adoption: January 14, 1998.

November 21, 1997

Terry Bergeson

Superintendent of

Public Instruction

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 85-10, filed 10/21/85)

WAC 392-182-020 Quick verification of immunization records. In the event the records of a student transferring from one school to another have not been received before or on the student's first day of attendance at the new school, the chief administrator or administrator's designee of the new school shall attempt to verify the immunization status of the student prior to excluding such student pursuant to the provision of chapter 180-38 WAC. Such verification of full immunization, commencement of a schedule of immunization, or a statement of exemption may rely upon telephonic or electronic communication with the chief administrator or other appropriate official at the previous school that indicates which of the specifically required vaccines the student has received and the month and year in which they were administered.