13-28-7.1.   Tests and immunizations for communicable diseases required for admission to school or early childhood program--Exceptions--Rules. Any pupil entering school or an early childhood program in this state, shall, prior to admission, be required to present to the appropriate school authorities certification from a licensed physician that the child has received or is in the process of receiving adequate immunization against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis, rubeola, rubella, mumps, tetanus, and varicella, according to recommendations provided by the Department of Health. The Department of Health may modify or delete any of the required immunizations. As an alternative to the requirement for a physician's certification, the pupil may present:

             (1)      Certification from a licensed physician stating the physical condition of the child would be such that immunization would endanger the child's life or health; or

             (2)      A written statement signed by one parent or guardian that the child is an adherent to a religious doctrine whose teachings are opposed to such immunization; or

             (3)      A written statement signed by one parent or guardian requesting that the local health department give the immunization because the parents or guardians lack the means to pay for such immunization.

     The Department of Health may promulgate reasonable rules, in accordance with chapter 1-26, to require compliance and documentation of adequate immunization, to define appropriate certification, and to specify standard procedure.

Source: SL 1971, ch 141; SL 1972, ch 97; SL 1978, ch 114; SL 1992, ch 129; SL 2000, ch 83, § 1; SL 2005, ch 101, § 1.

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