A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT amending the hospital licensure act to require hospitals to offer inpatients sixty‑five years of age or older immunization against the influenza Virus.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Article 5 of Chapter 131E of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 131E‑79.10.  Offering influenza vaccine to inpatients aged 65 and older.
Annually from October 1 through March 1, and in accordance with the latest recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each hospital licensed under this Article shall, prior to discharging a patient 65 years of age or older who has been admitted for inpatient care, offer the patient immunization against the influenza virus if it has been determined that the patient has not already received the immunization, contingent upon availability of the influenza vaccine, and unless the immunization is medically contraindicated."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.