To authorize the State Board of Health to provide parents or guardians of sixth grade female students information concerning the infection and the immunization against the human papillomavirus.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. (a) On or after October 1, 2010, each school shall may provide each parent or guardian of a female student who is entering sixth grade with information prescribed by the State Board of Health under subsection (b) concerning the link between cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and that an immunization against the human papillomavirus infection is available.
(b) The State Board of Health shall may provide each school described in subsection (a) with the following information concerning cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus infection:
(1) The latest scientific information on the immunization against the human papillomavirus infection and the immunization's effectiveness against causes of cervical cancer.
(2) That a pap smear is still critical for the detection of precancerous changes in the cervix to allow for treatment before cervical cancer develops.
(3) Information concerning the means by which the human papillomavirus infection is contracted.
(4) (3) A statement that any questions or concerns regarding immunizing a child against human papillomavirus could be answered by contacting a health care provider.
Section 2. (a) Each school that enrolls sixth grade female students shall require may request the parent or guardian of a female student entering sixth grade to furnish not later than the twentieth school day after the first day of school a written statement prescribed by the State Board of Health that the parent or guardian has received the information required under subsection (b) of Section 1 and that: written statement as may be prescribed by the Board of Health that the parent or guardian has received any information authorized under subsection (b) of Section (1) and the following information as may also be requested:
(1) The student has received or is receiving the immunization.
(2) The parent has decided not to have the student immunized.
(3) The parent chooses not to provide the information to the school concerning whether the student was immunized against the human papillomavirus infection.
(b) A student may not be prevented from enrolling in, attending, or graduating from school for the sole reason that the student has not provided the school with the written statement required requested under this section.
Section 3. This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.