The Community Health Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 aims to enhance the authority of healthcare providers in the District of Columbia by allowing them to order and administer immunizations based on guidelines from competent medical and public health organizations designated by the Director of the Department of Health. The bill amends the District of Columbia Health Occupations Revision Act of 1985 and the Consent for Vaccination of Minors Amendment Act of 2022. Key changes include replacing references to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) guidelines with those from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) or other designated organizations, ensuring that healthcare providers can follow a broader range of recommendations for immunizations.
Specifically, the bill modifies language in several sections to clarify that immunizations can be administered in accordance with guidelines from ACIP or other competent organizations as designated by the Director. This includes amendments to the definitions and requirements for vaccination recommendations, ensuring that the healthcare framework is adaptable to evolving public health needs. The act is set to take effect upon approval by the Mayor and will expire after 225 days.