§ 38–953.21. Definitions.

*NOTE: This section was created by temporary legislation that will expire on July 26, 2023.*

For the purposes of this subchapter, the term:

(1) "DC Health" means the Department of Health.

(2) "DCPS" means District of Columbia Public Schools.

(3) "DOCIIS" means the District of Columbia Immunization Information System, an internet-based data system maintained by the DC Health that collects, stores, tracks, and monitors all immunization event information for residents and visitors to the District.

(4) "Excused absence – Immunization" means the LEA or school attendance code used for a student who was previously unexcused or removed from school due to lack of immunization records but is allowed to return after the school secures immunization certification.

(5) "Immunization" means the:

(A) Initial immunization and any boosters or reimmunization required to maintain compliance with required school immunizations; and

(B) Initial immunization and any boosters or reimmunization required to maintain immunization against the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in accordance with the immunization standards issued by public health authorities, and required for school attendance pursuant to § 38-502.01.

(6) "LEA" means a local education agency, which is the District of Columbia Public School system or any individual or group of public charter schools operating under a single charter in the District.

(7) "Non-compliant student" means a student who does not have valid immunization certification because there is no record in DOCIIS or written document in the student's school health file confirming either that:

(A) The student has received all required school immunizations, including the COVID-19 vaccine; or

(B) The student is exempt from the immunization requirements.

(8) "OSSE" means the Office of the State Superintendent of Education.

(9) "PCSB" means the Public Charter School Board established by § 38-1802.14.

(10) "School" means a school in the DCPS school system or an individual public charter school.

(11) "Unexcused absence – immunization" means the school attendance code to use for a non-compliant student who is absent or removed from school after the 20-school day period for compliance provided in § 38-505, has passed and who is not receiving educational services.