SCS/SB 514 - This act provides that female students enrolling in sixth grade may receive, at the option of a parent or guardian, an immunization for the human papillomavirus (HPV). The Department of Health and Senior Services shall prescribe procedures for each school district to provide age appropriate information to parents or guardians of female students entering Grade 6 regarding the connection between HPV and cervical cancer and the availability of the HPV immunization. Such information shall include, the risk factors for developing cervical cancer, the connection between HPV and cervical cancer, how it is transmitted and how transmission can be prevented, the latest scientific information about the immunization's effectiveness, information about the importance of pap smears, and a statement that questions from parents or guardians may be answered by a health care provider. Each school district shall request that the parents of female students entering Grade 6 voluntarily furnish a written statement, not later than 20 days after the first day of school, stating that they have received the information and that the student has received the immunization or the parents have decided not to have the student immunized. Each school district shall submit a report to the department of health and senior services within 60 days of enrollment which includes a statement of the number of female students who have and have not been immunized against HPV and the number of non-responses to the written statement.
Nothing in the act shall be construed to prevent school attendance if a parent has opted not to have the student receive the HPV immunization or has not furnished the written statement.
This act also requires health insurance companies to provide coverage for HPV immunizations for females between the ages of 11 and 21.
This act is substantially similar to HCS/HB 802 (2007).
ADRIANE CROUSE