RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 196 (HB 176) 2018 Regular Session Leger
Existing law requires a student:
(1)To provide satisfactory evidence of current immunization against meningococcal
disease as a condition of entry into sixth grade.
(2)Who is 11 and entering a grade other than sixth grade to provide such evidence as a
condition of entry into such grade.
(3)Who is 11 and participating in an approved home study program to provide such
evidence to the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).
Existing law excepts from such requirements any person whose parent signs a waiver stating
that the person shall not be immunized for religious or other personal reasons, whose parent
submits a written statement from a physician that the immunization is contraindicated for
medical reasons, or who is unable to comply due to a vaccine shortage.
New law makes the same requirement a condition of entry into 11th grade and entry into any
grade by a student who is 16; also requires a student who is 16 and participating in an
approved home study program to provide such evidence to BESE. New law applies existing
law exceptions to new law requirements and adds requirement that any written
communication issued to students include notice that his parent may be exempt from
compliance with existing law and new law pursuant to such existing law exceptions. New
law also provides that evidence of immunization shall be in accordance with a directive from
the state Dept. of Education (DOE) and La. Dept. of Health (LDH) that is based on
recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Existing law provides for the following:
(1)Implementation according to LDH rules, including an implementation schedule.
(2)A requirement that LDH provide such rules to DOE and a requirement that DOE
notify each school governing authority and the parent or legal guardian of any student
participating in an approved home study program of existing law requirements and
the rules and schedule for their implementation.
Existing law applies to the requirements of new law.
Effective July 1, 2019.
(Amends R.S. 17:170.4(A)(1) and (C)(2); Adds R.S. 17:170.4(E))