ME LD174

Reinstates religious exemptions to immunization requirements for students in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools in Maine, reversing changes made by PL 2019, c. 154

Allows parents to exempt children from school vaccination requirements by stating in writing a sincere religious belief contrary to immunization

Extends the religious exemption to health care practitioners, including physicians, nurses, podiatrists, optometrists, chiropractors, physical therapists, dentists, psychologists, and physician assistants

Restores religious exemption for nursery school staff, allowing the biennial communicable disease certification requirement to be waived on religious grounds

Directs the Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services to amend their rules to implement the religious belief exemptions