The Parental Clarity on Health Options and Information on Conscientious Exemptions "C.H.O.I.C.E." Act seeks to amend the Revised Code concerning childhood immunizations and exemptions. It establishes new rules for preschool programs, requiring them to honor exemptions for medical contraindications, age appropriateness, and parental conscientious objections. The bill mandates that these programs inform parents about available exemptions in the same way they communicate immunization requirements, including through written notices and website statements. Additionally, it modifies existing immunization requirements for elementary and high school students, ensuring that schools cannot request more than a written statement from parents or guardians who decline immunization for reasons of conscience. Schools are also prohibited from denying admission to unvaccinated pupils during outbreaks of communicable diseases.

The bill further outlines responsibilities for child care centers and family child care homes regarding immunization documentation, requiring caretakers to provide a medical statement confirming that children are immunized or in the process of being immunized. It clarifies that if a parent declines immunization, additional information cannot be demanded beyond the medical statement. The director of children and youth is tasked with adopting rules to ensure compliance with these provisions, including standards for health care policies and procedures for addressing complaints. The bill also introduces new regulations for the licensure of family child care homes and in-home aides, emphasizing the health, safety, and welfare of children in care while streamlining existing child care regulations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3301.16, 3301.53, 3313.671, 5104.014, 5104.015, 5104.017, 5104.018, 5104.019