Health: immunizations; promulgation of certain rules and regulations that are more stringent than the vaccination exemptions provided in statute and that exclude individuals from school as a disease control measure; prohibit. Amends secs. 9215 & 9227 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9215 & 333.9227) & adds sec. 5115a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4553'25
Impact
The bill's implications could lead to significant changes in how public health measures are enforced at local levels. By limiting local health departments' powers to make rules that are stricter than those provided in the statute, it seeks to prevent discrepancies in immunization standards across different jurisdictions. This move has the potential to streamline adherence to immunization requirements but has raised concerns about local health officials' capacity to respond to public health needs effectively.
Summary
House Bill 4552 proposes amendments to the Public Health Code, specifically focusing on immunization requirements for children. The bill clarifies that local health departments do not have the authority to impose additional requirements for exemptions from immunization beyond what is specified in the bill. This includes restrictions on excluding children from attendance in schools or group programs due to lack of documentation of immunity or susceptibility to communicable diseases, unless in the case of an epidemic. The aim is to standardize the approach to immunization exemptions across the state, ensuring that such rules are uniformly applied without local variations.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 4552 include debates over public health safety and personal freedom. Advocates of the bill argue that it is essential for maintaining a consistent public health standard and protecting children from preventable diseases. However, opponents express concerns regarding the potential risks of eliminating local health departments' discretion in managing public health crises, as they may be better positioned to address specific community needs. Additionally, the stipulation that parents can exempt their children from immunization due to religious beliefs or other objections has sparked discussions about the balance between individual rights and community health responsibilities.
Same As
Education: attendance; promulgation of certain rules that are more stringent than the requirements for claiming exemption from immunizations; prohibit. Amends sec. 1177 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1177). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4552'25
Health: immunizations; hepatitis B vaccinations for children; prohibit department from requiring under certain circumstances. Amends sec. 9227 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9227). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4078'23
Health: immunizations; grade requirement for certain immunization records; modify in the public health code and require department to adopt the immunization schedule recommended by the federal centers for disease control and prevention. Amends secs. 9208 & 9227 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9208 & 333.9227). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0877'24, SB 0876'24
Health: immunizations; exemptions to immunization requirements; modify to require the use of forms created by the department. Amends sec. 9215 of 1978 of 368 (MCL 333.9215). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6206'24
Health: immunizations; access to the Michigan care improvement registry; restrict and expand the registry to include the reporting of adverse events resulting from immunizing agents. Amends secs. 9206 & 9227 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9206 & 333.9227).
Health: immunizations; access to the Michigan care improvement registry; restrict and expand the registry to include the reporting of adverse events resulting from immunizing agents. Amends secs. 9206 & 9227 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9206 & 333.9227).
Administrative procedure: rules; prohibition on adoption of rules by state agencies from being more stringent than federal regulations; eliminate. Amends secs. 32 & 45 of 1969 PA 306 (MCL 24.232 & 24.245).
Administrative procedure: rules; adoption of rules by state agencies more stringent than federal regulations; prohibit. Amends secs. 32 & 45 of 1969 PA 306 (MCL 24.232 & 24.245).
Administrative procedure: rules; adoption of rules by state agencies more stringent than federal regulations; prohibit. Amends secs. 32 & 45 of 1969 PA 306 (MCL 24.232 & 24.245).
Health: local health departments; report regarding immunization levels and exemptions; require local health officer to submit to local governing entity. Amends sec. 9209 from 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9209).