BILL NUMBER: S686
SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to a standardized form
for medical exemption from required immunizations
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this legislation is to ensure schools accept credible
medical immunization exemption request forms for required vaccinations.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 3205-b
clarifying that a school shall accept a medical immunization exemption
request form containing the appropriate information outlined in subdivi-
sion two of this section.
Section 2. is the enacting clause.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation aims to provide clear guidance on what is acceptable as
an immunization exemption request based on a medical diagnosis to ensure
all schools are appropriately recognizing credible medical exemptions.
Through such exemption request form, schools will allow students with
medical conditions to continue matriculating if a licensed medical
professional has deemed a required vaccination to be detrimental to the
child's health and has provided the required documentation demonstrating
such. By allowing licensed medical professionals to clearly convey to
schools that a student is unable to receive vaccination/s for the
declared health reasons, New York will foster an educational community
which acknowledges student medical safety alongside academics and social
skills.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law.