H.B. 559 Summary

• Amends Ohio law governing immunization requirements for children in schools, preschool programs, and daycare by establishing standardized immunization forms and documentation procedures beginning in 2019.

• Requires the Department of Health to develop and publish an immunization form for schools (effective 2019) and a medical statement of immunization for daycare facilities (effective July 1, 2019) to document children's immunization history.

• Mandates that physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, or pharmacists inform parents of immunization risks and benefits when parents decline immunization for reasons of conscience or religious conviction.

• Clarifies that parental signature on immunization forms indicating declination for religious/conscience reasons does not constitute a medical exemption, and allows schools to exclude unimmunized children during disease epidemics or outbreaks.

• Repeals existing sections 3301.53, 3313.67, 3313.671, and 5104.014 of the Revised Code and replaces them with updated immunization documentation and reporting requirements.