Senate Bill S4244B

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S4244          REVISED MEMO 3/7/19

SPONSOR: KRUEGER
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the public health law, in relation to
immunization of children who are at least fourteen years of age

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To allow minors who are at least fourteen years of age to have certain
vaccinations administered to him or herself.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Amends section 2164 of the public health law by adding a new
subdivision 9-1. The new subdivision allows minors at least fourteen
years in age to have the right, regardless of the consent from any
person in parental relation to such child, to have administered to him
or herself certain vaccinations as described in subdivision two of
section 2164 of the public health law.

 
              

JUSTIFICATION:

In January of 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed the anti-
vaccination movement to be one of the top ten threats to global health.
In the first two months of 2019, alone there has been an unprecedented
167 reported cases of measles in New York State.  According to WHO,
trends around the country and globally have also seen a recent spike in
measles diagnoses. While measles has a relatively low fatality rate,
those with leukemia and other immunocompromised individuals are at
particular risk. The outbreak of measles illustrates the risk a decline
in herd immunity presents for an outbreak of even more serious diseases.

Students bound for high school or higher education may be limited in
their educational opportunities should their parents or guardians refuse
vaccination. In a 2019 case in Orchard Park, New York, two students were
prevented from attending public schools because of their parents refused
to update their immunizations. Moreover, since most colleges and univer-
sities in New York require a panel of immunizations, students that
enroll in college prior to their eighteenth birthday may be unable to
receive required vaccinations without parental consent.

Minors are permitted to receive vaccinations without parental consent in
six states and Washington, D.C. These states utilize the 'mature minor
doctrine,' permitting minors the ability to make certain choices regard-
ing their bodily autonomy and health providing they have the capacity to
give effective consent.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S4244A

SPONSOR: KRUEGER
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the public health law, in relation to
immunization of children who are at least fourteen years of age

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To allow minors who are at least fourteen years of age to have certain
vaccinations administered to him or herself.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Amends the public health law by adding a new section 2167-a.
The new section allows minors at least fourteen years in age, and with
the capacity to consent, to have the right, regardless of the consent
from any person in parental relation to such child, to have administered
to him or herself vaccinations recommended or required under this title.

 
JUSTIFICATION:
              

In January of 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed the anti-
vaccination movement to be one of the top ten threats to global health.
In the first two months of 2019, alone there has been an unprecedented
167 reported cases of measles in New York State. According to WHO,
trends around the country and globally have also seen a recent spike in
measles diagnoses. While measles has a relatively low fatality rate,
those with leukemia and other immunocompromised individuals are at
particular risk. The outbreak of measles illustrates the risk a decline
in herd immunity presents for an outbreak of even more serious diseases.

Students bound for high school or higher education may be limited in
their educational opportunities should their parents or guardians refuse
vaccination. In a 2019 case in Orchard Park, New York, two students were
prevented from attending public schools because of their parents refused
to update their immunizations. Moreover, since most colleges and univer-
sities in New York require a panel of immunizations, students that
enroll in college prior to their eighteenth birthday may be unable to
receive required vaccinations without parental consent.

Minors are permitted to receive vaccinations without parental consent in
six states and Washington, D.C. These states utilize the 'mature minor
doctrine,' permitting minors the ability to make certain choices regard-
ing their bodily autonomy and health providing they have the capacity to
give effective consent.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S4244C

SPONSOR: KRUEGER
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the administration
of vaccines to children who are at least fourteen years of age

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To allow minors who are at least fourteen years of age to have certain
vaccinations administered to him or herself.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Amends the public health law by adding a new section 2167-a.
The new section authorizes health care practitioners to administer
vaccinations to minors who are at least fourteen years of age without
their parent's knowledge or consent. These vaccinations must meet the
standards approved by the United States Public Health Service, and be
consistent with recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immuniza-
              

tion Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
or the New York State Department of Health under such conditions as may
be specified by the Public Health Council. Minors must have the capacity
to consent, and provide informed consent. "Health care practitioner,"
"vaccine," and "capacity to consent" are defined.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

In January of 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed the anti-
vaccination movement to be one of the top ten threats to global health.
In the first two months of 2019, alone there has been an unprecedented
167 reported cases of measles in New York State.  According to WHO,
trends around the country and globally have also seen a recent spike in
measles diagnoses. While measles has a relatively low fatality rate,
those with leukemia and other immunocompromised individuals are at
particular risk. The outbreak of measles illustrates the risk a decline
in herd immunity presents for an outbreak of even more serious diseases.

Students bound for high school or higher education may be limited in
their educational opportunities should their parents or guardians refuse
vaccination. In a 2019 case in Orchard Park, New York, two students were
prevented from attending public schools because of their parents refused
to update their immunizations. Moreover, since most colleges and univer-
sities in New York require a panel of immunizations, students that
enroll in college prior to their eighteenth birthday may be unable to
receive required vaccinations without parental consent.

Minors are permitted to receive vaccinations without parental consent in
six states and Washington, D.C. These states utilize the 'mature minor
doctrine,' permitting minors the ability to make certain choices regard-
ing their bodily autonomy and health providing they have the capacity to
give informed consent.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately