§ 6-60-504 - Physical disabilities -- Religious objections.
6-60-504. Physical disabilities -- Religious objections.
(a) If, at the discretion of a medical doctor licensed to practice in Arkansas, an individual is deemed to have a physical disability which may contraindicate one (1) or more of the vaccinations required by this subchapter, a certificate approved by the Department of Health and signed by the medical doctor may be accepted in lieu of proof of vaccination.
(b) (1) The provisions of this subchapter shall not apply if the individual furnishes to the college or university a letter of exemption from the department.
(2) (A) The individual shall complete an annual application process developed in the rules and regulations of the department for medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions.
(B) The rules and regulations developed by the department for medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions shall include, but not be limited to:
(i) A notarized statement requesting a religious, philosophical, or medical exemption from the department by the individual regarding the objection;
(ii) Completion of an educational component developed by the department that includes information on the risks and benefits of vaccination;
(iii) An informed consent from the individual that shall include a signed statement of refusal to vaccinate based on the department's refusal-to-vaccinate form; and
(iv) A signed statement of understanding that:
(a) At the discretion of the department, the unimmunized child or individual may be removed from day care or school during an outbreak if the child or individual is not fully vaccinated; and
(b) The child or individual shall not return to school until the outbreak has been resolved and the department approves the return to school.
(3) No exemptions may be granted under this subsection until the application process has been implemented by the department and completed by the applicant.