The bill amends Section 23-1-45 of the General Laws in the chapter concerning the Department of Health to create a "childhood immunization account" within the general fund. This account is designated for the use by the Department of Health to support the childhood immunization program as outlined in § 23-1-44. The bill specifies that all money received under §§ 23-1-46 and 23-1-47 for the childhood immunization program, as well as other dedicated funds, shall be deposited into this account. Additionally, up to 15% of the annual revenues from this account may be used for administrative and quality assurance services related to the childhood immunization program and KIDSNET. For fiscal year (FY) 2025 only, the bill allows the Department to use up to $850,000 from the account to cover services such as PediPRN and MomsPRN information lines, along with any other related information lines, referral services, or hotlines available to providers or residents in the state. The Department is required to submit a report by March 1, 2025, detailing the use of these funds and recommendations for future support.

The bill also establishes a "pandemic medications and equipment account" and an "adult immunization account" within the general fund, with similar provisions for the deposit and use of funds as the childhood immunization account. For FY 2025, the same amount of $850,000 is allocated from the adult immunization account for the aforementioned services. The Department of Health must report on the use of these funds and future recommendations by the same deadline. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
7204  SUB A: 23-1-45
7204: 42-7.4-3, 35-4-27