Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §3292-A is enacted to read:

§3292-A.__Information regarding thimerosal and other

preservatives in vaccines

The following requirements apply with regard to the administration of vaccinations to patients.

1.__Poster.__ The Director of the Bureau of Health within the Department of Health and Human Services shall develop a poster that informs patients of the availability of the brochure prepared under subsection 2 and provides basic information about vaccines containing preservatives, including those that contain and do not contain thimerosal.

2.__Brochure.__The Director of the Bureau of Health within the Department of Health and Human Services shall develop a brochure that explains the use of thimerosal and other preservatives in vaccines.__The brochure must describe what alternatives are available and what potential advantages and disadvantages are posed by the use of thimerosal and those alternatives.__The brochure must include the following information:

A.__That thimerosal is a preservative that contains 49.6% mercury used in vaccines;

B.__A brief history of thimerosal in vaccines, including the request made in 1999 by the Academy of Pediatrics for the voluntary removal of thimerosal from vaccines;

C.__The availability of vaccines that do not contain thimerosal;

D.__History and factual information regarding thimerosal.__ This information must be updated periodically to include recent developments in scientific knowledge and any standards of health care practice and legal requirements relevant to thimerosal; and

E.__Other information that contributes to the ability of the patient or parent or guardian of the patient to make an informed decision when choosing the type of vaccine to be administered.

3.__Physicians' offices.__ Physicians licensed under this chapter who administer vaccines to patients shall display in their offices the poster prepared under subsection 1 and shall make available for patients or the parents or guardians of patients the brochure prepared under subsection 2.