Implementing WA New State Exemption Requirements - Implementing WA New State Exemption Requirements - Training for Schools and Child Cares/PreschoolsTraining for Schools and Child Cares/Preschools

August XX, 2011August XX, 2011

New State Immunization Exemption Requirements - New State Immunization Exemption Requirements - Training for Schools, Child Cares, and PreschoolsTraining for Schools, Child Cares, and Preschools

August 25, 2011August 25, 2011

Topics• Why Is the Law Important?• What Does the Law Change?• Revised Certificate of Exemption• Example Exemptions• Resources• Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Law Important?Supports Community Immunity & Parent Choice

• Immunizations save lives.• Diseases spread quickly in schools and child cares. • High immunization rates create strong community

immunity – protects the vulnerable.• Washington state exemption rate 6.2%• Exemptions now based on conviction, not

convenience.

What Does the Law Change?• Exemption process changed.• Requires providers to sign the Certificate of Exemption

(or letter) to confirm parents or guardians got info about the benefits and risks of immunization.

• No provider signature needed if parent or guardian demonstrates membership in a church or religious body that does not believe in medical treatment.

• Office visit may not be required.

Same Three Types of Exemptions• Medical • Temporary• Permanent

• Religious• Personal/Philosophical

• Religious Exemption• Religious Membership Exemption

New Religious MEMBERSHIP Exemption

Sample: Medical (Temporary)

Sample: Medical (Permanent)

Sample: Religious

Sample: Religious (Demonstration of Membership)

N o t r e q u I r e d

N o t r e q u I r e d

N o t r e q u I r e d

Sample: Personal or Philosophical

Resources

Immunization and Child Profile Office: www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/schools/exemption-info.htm

Provider-specific information: www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/providers/exemption-info.htm

Contact Information• Jeff Wise: jeff.wise@doh.wa.gov

360-236-3483

• Trang Kuss: trang.kuss@doh.wa.gov 360-236-3760

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat about the “old” forms? Will previous exemptions on file need to be re-done under the new requirements?

•Previous forms submitted before July 22, 2011, remain valid. Do not re-do.•Children transferring schools (or child care centers) keep any previous exemption forms.•If a child with a previous exemption (form) needs an additional exemption after July 22, 2011, use the new form only for the additional exemption. Keep the previous form for the previous exemption(s).

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat counts as a provider letter?

• Any document that includes:1. The child’s name, and2. A statement that the parent/guardian received information on

the benefits and risks of immunization, and3. The provider’s signature.

• A copy of the letter is acceptable.

Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do we process exemptions with a provider letter?

• Have the parent/guardian complete the Certificate of Exemption (COE) form. • NOTE: The “Provider Statement” in Box 1 of the COE does not

need to be filled out or signed. The provider letter takes care of that requirement.

• Attached provider letter to the exemption form.

Other Questions?

Thank you!