This bill amends K.S.A. 65-122 to establish new guidelines regarding the exclusion of children from public, parochial, or private schools and licensed child care facilities due to exposure to infectious or contagious diseases. The bill prohibits schools and child care facilities from excluding a child who has been exposed to such diseases unless there is a valid isolation or quarantine order issued by a local health officer or the secretary of health. Additionally, it specifies that any exclusion due to exposure should not exceed the duration of the isolation or quarantine specified in the order.

The bill also removes existing language that previously mandated the exclusion of individuals afflicted with infectious or contagious diseases from schools and child care facilities, unless a physician certifies that the individual is not suffering from such a disease. The term "physician" is defined as a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery by the state board of healing arts. Furthermore, the bill repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 65-122, thereby updating the legal framework surrounding public health in educational settings.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-122