Relates to exempting commuter colleges from the requirement of maintaining meningococcal meningitis records

BILL NUMBER:A6672A

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to exempting commuter colleges from the requirement of maintaining meningo- coccal meningitis records

Purpose or general idea of bill

This legislation would save commuter colleges great time and expense in the administration of the current requirement.

Summary of specific provisions

Amends Section 2167 of the Public Health Law to define "Commuter College" as not having any student housing. Further amends Section 2167 of the Public Health Law to exempt commuter colleges from maintaining meningococcal meningitis records.

JUSTIFICATION:; Commuter colleges are experiencing a heavy burden complying with the current law because a lot of their students are under the credit limit needed for school to maintain the records (currently six credits) causing much confusion and time in separating what students are to be in compliance.

Further it is estimated that a full time nurse at a commuter college spends between ten and fifteen percent of his/her time ensuring compli- ance with the law. The calculation takes into effect the many mailings that are sent to students whose records are not on file and the staff time used in filing and maintaining the records in the office. A clerk in a nurse's office spends approximately twenty-five percent of his/her time complying with the law. The Dean of Student Services also spends much time each year completing the required state reporting forms.

This legislation would reduce the amount of paperwork and staff time for commuter colleges that do not having housing.

Prior legislative history

2005-09: Remained in Committee

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.