This bill proposes an amendment to the definition of noncommunicable disease within the context of immunization requirements. Specifically, it seeks to remove the word "infectious" from the current definition, thereby altering the scope of diseases considered noncommunicable. The revised definition would categorize noncommunicable diseases as those that are not transmissible from person to person, with an explicit exception made for tetanus, which is still considered noncommunicable despite being caused by a bacterium that can enter the body through wounds.

The bill's effect would be to potentially change the list of diseases for which immunization cannot be mandated. By excluding the term "infectious" from the definition, the bill narrows the focus to diseases that are not spread from person to person, which could influence public health policies and immunization programs. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, pending approval by the legislative bodies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 141-C:20-a
As Amended by the House: 141-C:20-a