(a) Rules and regulations. -

     (1) In cooperation with the State Board and the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene shall adopt rules and regulations regarding the immunizations required of children entering schools.

     (2) These rules and regulations shall:

          (i) Be adopted in compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act; and

          (ii) Provide that any child may have the immunization administered by his personal physician.

    (3) Any requirement for the administration of pertussis vaccine shall be consistent with § 18-332 (b) of the Health-General Article.

(b) Exception. -

     (1) Unless the Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene declares an emergency or an epidemic of disease, a child whose parent or guardian objects to immunization on the ground that it conflicts with the parent's or guardian's bona fide religious beliefs and practices may not be required to present a physician's certification of immunization in order to be admitted to school.

     (2) The Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene shall adopt rules and regulations for religious exemptions under this subsection.

(An. Code 1957, art. 77, § 84; 1978, ch. 22, § 2; 1983, ch. 188; 1984, chs. 578, 785; 1985, ch. 253; 1987, ch. 54; 1996, ch. 10, § 16.)