This bill amends the Code of West Virginia regarding medical exemptions to mandatory vaccination requirements for school children. It replaces the authority of the commissioner to issue certificates of exemption with the right of a child's treating physician or advanced practice provider to provide such certificates. The bill also eliminates the position of the State Immunization Officer, streamlining the process for obtaining medical exemptions. Under the new provisions, a child can be exempt from vaccination requirements if a physician or advanced practice provider submits a written statement to the child's school or state-regulated child care center indicating that vaccination may be detrimental to the child's health.

Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for physicians or advanced practice providers who issue false certificates of immunization, classifying such actions as misdemeanors with fines ranging from $25 to $100. The changes aim to simplify the exemption process while ensuring that medical exemptions are based on professional medical assessments rather than administrative decisions. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the role of healthcare providers in determining vaccination exemptions for children.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-3-4