The California State Assembly last week passed a California Medical Association (CMA) sponsored bill that would ensure parents make informed decisions about getting their children immunized before they enter school. The bill (AB 2109) now makes its way to the Senate.
State law requires school-aged children to be immunized against certain diseases that pose an immediate threat to public health. Under the bill, sponsored by Sacramento pediatrician and Assemblymember Richard Pan, M.D., a parent seeking an exemption would need to first meet with a physician or other licensed health care professional, who would then sign a form attesting that they had discussed the risks and benefits of vaccinations with the parent.
CMA is also sponsoring two other bills regulating vaccination.
SB 1318 requires health care workers to wear masks wherever they deliver care if they are not vaccinated for the flu. This bill is currently on the Senate floor.
AB 2064 requires health plans and insurers to fully reimburse physicians for the costs to acquire and administer recommended vaccines. The bill passed out of the Assembly Health Committee and is currently in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Contact: Ryan Spencer, (916) 551-2878 or rspencer@cmanet.org.