A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 44-29-205 SO AS TO PROHIBIT NURSING SCHOOLS FROM REQUIRING THAT STUDENTS BE VACCINATED WITH A NOVEL VACCINE.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 29, Title 44 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

    Section 44-29-205. A student who applies for admission to or is enrolled in a nursing school or program in this State may not be required to be vaccinated with a novel vaccine as a condition of attending or graduating from the nursing school or program. For purposes of this section:

    (1) "Novel vaccine" means a vaccine which:

       (a) has obtained Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA);

       (b) has otherwise not been approved by the FDA; or

       (c) has been approved for use by the FDA for less than ten years.

    (2) "Vaccine" means a suspension of attenuated or killed microorganisms, or of antigenic proteins derived from them, that is administered by injection for the purpose of prevention, amelioration, or treatment of infectious diseases.

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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