HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2087
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to Health.

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

     SECTION 1.  (a) The director of health shall establish an immunization task force to study the benefits of childhood immunizations in Hawaii in light of rising concerns about possible causal links between childhood vaccinations and diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders and other illnesses.  The task force shall research, assess, and evaluate the following:

     (1)  The potential benefits and risks of immunizing children against common diseases;

     (2)  Causal links, if any, between childhood immunizations and autism spectrum disorders and other illnesses; and

     (3)  The number and types of vaccinations currently required for children in Hawaii and whether changes should be made to the State's mandatory vaccination policies, including the feasibility, costs, and benefits of requiring additional vaccinations.

     (b)  The immunization task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2013.

     (c)  The immunization task force shall be established in the department of health for administrative purposes only and the members shall serve without compensation.  The task force shall be chaired by the director of health or the director's designee.  The task force shall comprise the following members, to be selected by the chairperson and requested to serve:

     (1)  One member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Hawaii Chapter;

     (2)  Pediatricians and other professional members of Hawaii's medical community;

     (3)  Concerned parents and caregivers; and

     (4)  Children advocates.

     (d)  The immunization task force shall cease to exist on January 1, 2013.

     SECTION 2.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Health; Immunizations

Description:

Creates an immunization task force within DOH to study benefits and risks of childhood vaccinations.

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