An Act To Fund the Universal Childhood Immunization Program

Sec. 1. 22 MRSA c. 251, sub-c. 2-B  is enacted to read:

SUBCHAPTER 2-B

Universal Childhood Immunization Program

§ 1071.  Definitions

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

§ 1072.  Universal Childhood Immunization Program

The Universal Childhood Immunization Program is established in accordance with this section.

§ 1073.  Childhood Immunization Account

The Childhood Immunization Account is established as a dedicated account within the department. The department shall use all money in the account to effectuate the provisions of the program. All money received under section 1074 must be deposited in the account.

Sec. 2. Rulemaking; Commissioner of Health and Human Services. The Commissioner of Health and Human Services shall adopt rules to implement the Universal Childhood Immunization Program established in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 22, section 1072. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

Sec. 3. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF (FORMERLY DHS)

Fund for a Healthy Maine - Immunization Program Z048

Initiative: Provides funds for costs to the State for the purchase and distribution of all childhood vaccines recommended by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

FUND FOR A HEALTHY MAINE		2007-08	2008-09
All Other		$0	$2,329,762
FUND FOR A HEALTHY MAINE TOTAL		$0	$2,329,762

summary

This bill establishes the Universal Childhood Immunization Program within the Department of Health and Human Services. The department is directed to include in the program those vaccines for childhood immunizations recommended by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and designated for coverage by the federal Vaccines for Children Program. The department is directed to annually determine the dollar amount necessary to purchase, store, distribute and provide quality assurance for vaccines for routine immunizations, in accordance with the recommendations of the advisory committee, and to communicate this annual determination to the Superintendent of Insurance. The bill establishes a dedicated account to effectuate the provisions of the program. The bill provides funds for the program from the Fund for a Healthy Maine.