HB218: HB218 Health; lower the age from 50 to 18 years old at which hospitals shall offer inpatient vaccinations for the influenza virus prior to discharge

25 LC 46 1009 House Bill 218 By: Representatives Dempsey of the 13th, Hawkins of the 27th, Cooper of the 45th, Drenner of the 85th, and Taylor of the 173rd A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Code Section 31-7-18 of the Official Code of Georgia A nnotated, relating to1 vaccinations for influenza and pneumococcal disease for certain discharged patients,2 vaccinations or other measures for health care workers and othe r employees in hospitals,3 immunity from liability, and standing orders, so as to lower the age from 50 to 18 years old4 at which hospitals shall offer inpatient vaccinations for the influenza virus prior to discharge;5 to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.6 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:7 SECTION 1.8 Code Section 31-7-18 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to vaccinations for9 influenza and pneumococcal disease for certain discharged patie nts, vaccinations or other10 measures for health care workers and other employees in hospitals, immunity from liability,11 and standing orders, is amended by revising subsection (a) as follows:12 "(a) Prior to discharging any inpatient who is 50 18 years of age or older, a hospital shall13 offer the inpatient a vaccination for the influenza virus. Prior to discharging any inpatient14 who is 65 years of age or older, a hospital shall offer the inp atient a vaccination for15 pneumococcal disease. Such vaccinations shall be provided in a ccordance with the16 H. B. 218 - 1 - 25 LC 46 1009 recommendations of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and any17 applicable rules and regulations of the department, unless contraindicated, and contingent18 on availability of such vaccine. A hospital may offer other patients such vaccinations in19 accordance with the recommendations of the federal Centers for Disease Control and20 Prevention and any applicable rules and regulations of the department. The vaccinations21 may be administered pursuant to a standing order that has been approved by the hospital's22 medical staff."23 SECTION 2.24 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.25 H. B. 218 - 2 -