s_hhs_2016a_2016-05-04t11:28:24z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 05/04/2016

11:28 AM -- Discussion with CDPHE Regarding Immunization Exemption Forms



Dr. Larry Wolk, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), came to the table. Dr. Wolk discussed CDPHE rules regarding the immunization exemption forms for school-aged children. He told the committee that the State Board of Health promulgated rules that require CDPHE to create standardized forms for medical and non-medical exemptions from the immunization requirement. Dr. Wolk referred to the materials distributed to committee members prior to the meeting (Attachment A), which includes a copy of the forms and copies of the relevant statutes that create the authority for CDPHE to develop the forms.



Dr. Wolk responded to questions from the committee. Senator Martinez Humenik discussed inaccurate information that was posted on the Colorado Department of Human Services' website regarding the immunization forms and the procedure for filing the forms for parents of children in childcare facilities and preschools. Dr. Wolk responded to these concerns and referred to tab d of Attachment A. Senator Lundberg questioned Dr. Wolk about the rational for requiring that the medical exemption form be submitted only once to a school and requiring that the non-medical exemption form be submitted annually. Senator Lundberg and Dr. Wolk engaged in discussion regarding the reasons for requiring those who choose the non-medical exemption to resubmit the form each year.



160504 AttachA.pdf



11:39 AM



Committee discussion continued.



11:49 AM



In response to questions, Dr. Wolk referred to the rules promulgated by the State Board of Health (Tab O, Attachment A). Further discussion followed about the authority of CDPHE to make a parent use an official form in order to establish a non-medical exemption. Senator Aguilar discussed the provisions and implementation of House Bill 14-1288. Senator Lundberg and Dr. Wolk engaged in discussion about CDPHE's authority to implement the recent changes to the immunization exemption forms and CDPHE's authority to require that the non-medical exemption be submitted to a school on an official form.



12:04 PM



Discussion continued about the authority of CDPHE to implement the recent changes to the way parents must notify their child's school if the child is to be exempt from the immunization requirement.



12:08 PM



Dr. Wolk made closing comments.