HB538 Summary

• Schools may provide parents or guardians of sixth grade female students with information about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the link to cervical cancer, effective on or after October 1, 2010.

• The State Board of Health may provide schools with scientific information on HPV immunization effectiveness, the continued importance of pap smears for cervical cancer detection, and information on how HPV infection is contracted.

• Schools may request parents or guardians submit a written statement within 20 school days confirming receipt of HPV information and indicating whether the student is receiving the immunization, will not be immunized, or declining to provide immunization information.

• Students cannot be prevented from enrolling in, attending, or graduating from school solely because they have not provided the written statement regarding HPV immunization status.

• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and Governor approval.