MS HB1504

Requires parents or guardians to present a letter from a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.) stating that a required vaccine is medically contraindicated or poses significant risk to the child's health to claim a medical exemption from vaccination.

Physician must be duly licensed in the United States, have an office in Mississippi or within 60 miles of the child's residence, and must have examined the child in person (not via telemedicine).

Medical exemption letters are valid for the duration of the child's attendance in the school district unless the physician notes a lifelong condition exists; exemptions do not transfer between school districts.

The physician's medical opinion on the exemption letter is final and cannot be contradicted or rejected by local health officers or the State Department of Health, and schools must accept the letter.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.