Effective - 28 Aug 2005
191.235. Mercury contained in immunizations, not to be administered to certain persons — insurance reimbursement for nonmercury immunizations — exemptions, when. — 1. Beginning April 1, 2007, immunizations administered in the state of Missouri to knowingly pregnant women or children less than three years of age shall not contain more than one microgram of mercury per five-tenths-milliliter dose.
2. Beginning April 1, 2007, any health carrier as defined in section 376.1350 doing business in the state of Missouri that provides insurance coverage for immunizations on a fee schedule or on a percentage reimbursement basis shall reimburse for immunizations not containing mercury at the same percentage rate of the usual and customary charges which were provided for immunizations containing mercury or other preservatives immediately prior to April 1, 2007.
3. The director of the department of health and senior services shall exempt the use of a vaccine from compliance with this section if the director finds, and the governor concurs, that an actual or potential public health emergency exists, including an epidemic, outbreak, or shortage for which there does not exist a sufficient supply of vaccine that complies with subsection 1 of this section that would prevent knowingly pregnant women or children less than three years of age from receiving the vaccine. The director shall determine the duration of such exemption.
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(L. 2005 S.B. 74 & 49)