HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2459
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO MEDICAL AUTONOMY.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that vaccines are intended to reduce the risk of infection by working with the body's natural defenses to develop immunity to certain diseases. While vaccines may be safe and effective for many individuals, like all pharmaceutical products, they may also carry risk of injury, death, and failure to prevent infection in others. The legislature further finds that individuals may object to vaccines for medical and religious reasons. Additionally, some individuals may object to one, some, or all vaccines based on moral conscience alone.

The legislature recognizes that immunization programs are sources of contention, but also can serve as protection. Although no vaccine is completely effective, for some diseases, a highly vaccinated population is needed to prevent the spread of disease. Concerns surrounding measles outbreaks, such as the recent outbreak in Samoa, and the concerns surrounding the coronavirus, are two examples of situations where individuals would likely want access to vaccinations.

The legislature further finds that concerns have been raised about the department of health's current procedures, under which medical authorized exemptions to vaccinations may be granted. The legislature concludes that a well-rounded study, designed to identify and report on various procedures, within the State and around the country, associated with medical authorized exemptions from required vaccinations, is an important step needed to examine this important issue.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of health to conduct a study relating to authorized exemptions from mandatory vaccinations and submit a report of its findings to the legislature.

SECTION 2. (a) The department of health shall conduct a study regarding various procedures associated with medically authorized exemptions from required vaccinations. The study shall include:

(1) A report on the department of health's current procedures for medical authorized exemptions;

(2) An examination of procedures under which medical authorized exemptions may be granted in other states;

(3) An identification of best practice guidelines for medical authorized emptions pursuant to various medical societies, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Nurses Association; and

(4) An analysis on requirements in other states for the human papillomavirus vaccine, including best practices, and whether Hawaii is aligned with the rest of the nation.

(b) The department of health 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 2021.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Vaccinations; Exemptions; Department of Health; Study

Description:

Requires the department of health to conduct a study relating to medical authorized exemptions from mandatory vaccinations, including the department of health's current procedure for vaccination exemptions and best practices throughout the country. Requires a report to the legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.