MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2022 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare

By: Senator(s) Blackwell

Senate Bill 2170

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-9-39, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE EACH HOSPITAL TO OFFER IMMUNIZATIONS AGAINST THE INFLUENZA VIRUS TO ALL INPATIENTS 50 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER PRIOR TO THEIR DISCHARGE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  Section 41-9-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     41-9-39.  (1)  Each year from October 1 through March 1 and in accordance with the latest recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each hospital shall offer, prior to discharge, immunizations against influenza virus to all inpatients * * * sixty‑five (65) fifty (50) years of age and older unless contraindicated and contingent upon the availability of the vaccine.

     (2)  Any hospital, or employee thereof, shall be immune from civil liability for any personal injury as a result of complying or not complying with the requirements of subsection (1) if the hospital or employee's action or failure to act do not amount to willful or wanton misconduct or gross negligence.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2022.