AN ACT to ensure minors are not discriminated against for variance in recommended vaccination schedules.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Article 1A of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 90‑21.5A.  Treatment of minors through vaccination schedule.

(a)        A health care practitioner shall not refuse to accept a minor as a patient in their medical practice or at a hospital solely on the basis of the minor's refusal or the minor's parent, guardian, or custodian's refusal to comply with timing or frequency of the recommended vaccination and immunization schedule as set forth in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Child Immunization Schedule. A refusal to have a vaccination altogether under this section shall not be construed to supersede a requirement under G.S. 130A‑152 set forth by the Commission for Public Health; however, a variance in recommended schedule or delay in administration of a recommended vaccination shall be allowed under G.S. 130A‑152(c)(1).

(b)        For the purpose of this section, the term health care practitioner means a physician licensed to practice medicine under Article 1 of this Chapter, a physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse licensed to administer immunizations or vaccinations under their respective scope of licensure.

(c)        Violation of this section shall constitute unprofessional conduct under each health care practitioner's occupational licensing board.

SECTION 2.(a)  The North Carolina Medical Board and North Carolina Board of Nursing shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this act.

SECTION 2.(b)  The Commission for Public Health shall adopt rules to allow for exemptions under G.S. 130A‑152(c)(1) for minors who elect to delay the administration of an immunization or vaccination under this section.

SECTION 3.  Section 1 of this act becomes effective October 1, 2025. The remainder of this act is effective when it becomes law.