NHHA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
June 28, 2004
Immunization legislation effective January 1
Senate Bill 438 passed, and the law goes into effect January 1, 2005. SB 438 requires hospitals, residential care facilities, adult day care facilities, and assisted living facilities to document influenza and pneumonia vaccines, and to annually submit aggregate data to the state on such vaccinations beginning July 1, 2005.
One immediate concern is that SB 438 specifically requires reporting of 2004 immunization data. Since we’re halfway through 2004 with no instructions issued by DHHS, it is unreasonable to require providers to report for 2004.
The Hospital Association has raised this issue with the Department of Health & Human Services. An internal working group at DHHS is currently evaluating data issues and data elements for reporting purposes. Before moving forward with final requirements, DHHS will present various options for discussion before final decisions are made. This will be our opportunity to provide input. Also, SB 438 requires DHHS to formally adopt rules/regulations on immunization reporting. This process will provide us with another opportunity to weigh in.
We will keep you informed as we get more information.
Click HERE to see an outline of the requirements of SB 438.
To view any of these bills, go to http://www.nhha.org/nhha/state_law/bills.php.
