Arizona

(Updated October 1993)

Authority:   Article 6, School Immunization, Ariz. Rat. Stare. Ann. @@15-871 et seq., 36671. Title 9, Chapter 6, Department of Health Services - Communicable Diseases, Ariz. Comp. 4dmin. R. & Regs. R9-6-501 to 506.

Exemption: Arizona has a very wide exception that allows a parent or guardian of a pupil attending either public or private schools to sign a statement addressed to the school administrator to be exempt from immunizations if they have received information from the department of health services, understand the risks and benefits of immunization and con-immunization, and that due to personal beliefs do not consent to immunization. A.RS. 515-873(A)(1), R9-6-5050.

Pupils who lack documentary proof of immunization shall not attend school during outbreak periods or communicable diseases. A.R.S. 915-873(C), R9-6-504(G). The only other exemption is one for the pupil's health. It is limited to the probable duration of the medical condition or circumstance that precludes immunization, and :equires a written certificate signed by a parent or physician. A.R.S. @15-873(C), R9-6-504@).

Definitions: The definition section does not include home schoolers directly. However, "Pupil" as defined as "a person who is eligible to receive instruction at a school. . ." A.RS 915-871(10). "School" is defined as, "a public, private or parochial school that offers instruction at any level >r grade through twelfth grade.. ." A.RS 915-871(11).

Generally: Pupils are not allowed to attend school without submitting proof of immunization, unless the student is exempted. A.RS 915-871(B). School Administrators review school immunization records at least twice each school year until pupils receive all of the required immunizations, and suspend those who fail to comply. A.RS 015-8710, R9-6-504(A).

Immunity: A school and its employees are immune from civil liability for decisions concerning the admission, readmission and suspension of a pupil which are based on a good faith implementation of statutory requirements. A.RS 915-8720.

Department Rules: The director of the department of health services is required to adopt rules For immunizations, school attendance, approved means of immunization and enforcement. 4.RS. @36-672.

Strategy: In Arizona the strategy is pretty straight forward and has strong statutory grounds for reliance, namely if you do not want your child immunized you simply sign a statement in accordance with the requisite information. Further research is required to verify which category home schools fit into.