FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 877

95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE PARSON.

2053L.01I                                                                                                                                                  D. ADAM CRUMBLISS, Chief Clerk

AN ACT

To amend chapter 167, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to information about meningococcal vaccinations.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

            Section A. Chapter 167, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 167.730, to read as follows:

            167.730. 1. Each school district shall provide information concerning meningococcal disease and the availability of a vaccine to each pupil and parent or legal guardian of each pupil enrolled in sixth through twelfth grade in the district at the beginning of each school year. The information provided to the pupil and parent or legal guardian shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

            (1) The severity of meningococcal disease including causes and symptoms, how it is spread, and how to obtain additional information about the disease; and

            (2) Web site addresses, telephone numbers, or other similar information to assist parents and guardians in identifying a location or locations where the student may receive an immunization against meningococcal disease.

            2. A school district may provide the information required under subsection 1 of this section exactly as written or through similar language that reasonably meets the intent of the notification requirement and is based upon established and scientifically recognized medical or epidemiological data.

            3. The department of health and senior services shall no later than January 1, 2010, develop information about meningococcal disease and make such information available to school districts for distribution as required under subsection 1 of this section.

            4. Nothing in this section shall be construed to:

            (1) Require a student to obtain a vaccination against meningococcal disease;

            (2) Require a school district to provide or pay for the vaccination of a student; or

            (3) Prohibit an institution from establishing additional requirements concerning meningococcal vaccination.

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