Restricts the definition of "student" for purposes of immunization of post-secondary students

BILL NUMBER:S4803

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to immunization of post-secondary students

Purpose or general idea of bill

To reduce costs and administrative burdens on New York colleges and universities.

Summary of specific provisions

The bill amends Public Health Law §2165(1)(b) to delete from the definition of "student" graduates of public, private and parochial secondary schools that are located in New York. The effect of the amendment is to eliminate the requirement for students who have graduated from New York high schools to provide college administrators, as a requisite to attending college, certificates of immunization against measles, mumps and rubella. Out-of-state and foreign students who attend New York colleges shall continue to be required to provide certificates of immunization.

Justification

Pursuant to Public Health Law §2164 all children in New York must be immunized against measles, mumps and rubella, unless exempt for health or religious reasons, and must present certification or other evidence of immunization as a requisite to attend a New York child care center, day nursery, day care agency, nursery school, kindergarten, elementary, intermediate or secondary school. That is, prior to attending college or university, every New York child who has graduated from a secondary school located in New York must have been immunized. The requirement that such a New York student present immunization certification as a condition to attend a New York college or university imposes an unnecessary burden on the student, the student's parent or guardian, the health care practitioner who prepares the certificate, and administrators of the college or university who must collect certificates and monitor compliance to allow attendance within the time frames set forth in the statute.

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

The proposal should reduce costs of colleges and universities, including the State University of New York and community colleges under its jurisdiction.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.