(A)
Requirement. Each dependent child must be properly
immunized. Failure to immunize shall result in the grantee's ineligibility
unless there is good cause as specified in 106 CMR
703.160(B).
The dependent child's immunization must be verified at
application, birth of a dependent child, and when the child turns age
two.
The grantee has 60 days from the date of notification of this
requirement to provide verification of immunization, or a written statement,
signed by an appropriate health care provider, of the date immunizations have
been scheduled.
If scheduled, the grantee must also submit a statement from the
health care provider indicating the immunizations have been completed within 30
days of the scheduled appointment.
(B)
Good Cause for Failure to
Comply with Immunization Requirement. Good cause is limited as
follows:
(1) A grantee states in writing that
the immunizations conflict with his or her religious beliefs;
(2) A physician certifies in writing that the
child should not be immunized due to medical reasons; or
(3) A grantee states in writing that he or
she refused an immunization for a dependent child after consultation with a
physician due to his or her belief of a potential health risk from the
immunization.
(C)
Sanction for Noncompliance with Immunization
Requirement. When a grantee does not meet the immunization
requirements without good cause, he or she will be sanctioned by a denial or a
reduction of his or her portion of the grant. In two-parent households, both
parents will be sanctioned.
A sanctioned grantee is still subject to other TAFDC provisions
including, but not limited to, Time-limited Benefits (see
106 CMR
703.120) , and the Work Program requirements
(see 106 CMR
703.150) . The sanction will continue until
the proper documentation for its removal is provided.
(D)
Verification.
(1) Since age-appropriate immunizations are
required for school enrollment, verification of school enrollment satisfies the
immunization verification requirement for a school-age child.
(2) Since immunizations are required for Head
Start or a licensed day care, the following verifications satisfy the
requirement for a child participating in Head Start or a licensed day care:
(a) if the Department pays for the Head Start
or licensed day care, no further verification is required;
(b) a copy of the immunization form for Head
Start or licensed day care; or
(c)
a written statement from Head Start or licensed day care that the child is
enrolled.
(3)
Verification of immunization for a dependent child may be satisfied by one of
the following:
(a) a written statement on the
health care provider's letterhead that the child is up to date on
immunizations;
(b) a copy of a
MassHealth or other insurance bill for a well-child visit; or
(c) completion of a form, prescribed by the
Department, and signed by the health care provider.
