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Senate hearing probes bill to require DHHS to prominently disclose vaccine exemption options
Summary
HB1584 would require every DHHS immunization communication to prominently state that medical and religious exemptions are available and allow any signed written religious statement in place of a DHS form; DHHS and school nurses warned of scope and administrative burdens while some parents and advocates said the DHS form has become intrusive.
Representative Kelly Patenza told the committee HB1584 would ensure the Department of Health and Human Services clearly communicates that medical and religious exemptions exist under New Hampshire law and would broaden what constitutes an acceptable religious exemption statement. The sponsor said materials distributed to parents often emphasize vaccination without making exemption options visible.
DHHS officials opposed the bill, saying exemption information already appears on DHS and Department of Education websites and that…
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