CHAPTER 185

(HB 1196)

First responder vaccination program.


         ENTITLED, An Act to  establish a vaccination program for first responders.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA:

     Section  1.  The Department of Health shall offer a vaccination program for first responders who may be exposed to infectious diseases when deployed to disaster locations. For purposes of this section, the term, first responder, means state and local law enforcement personnel, fire department personnel, and emergency medical personnel who will be deployed to sites of bioterrorism attacks, terrorist attacks, catastrophic or natural disasters, and other disasters. The vaccinations shall include vaccinations for hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, influenza, and other vaccinations when recommended by the United States Public Health Service and in accordance with Federal Emergency Management Agency policy. Immune globulin shall be made available if necessary. Participation in the vaccination program is voluntary.

     Section  2.  The provisions of this Act are effective on the date that federal funding is received for administering vaccinations for first responders.

     Signed February 11, 2005
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