<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" citation="COMAR 10.06.03.02" title_num="10" subtitle_num="06" chapter_num="03" heading="Definitions.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Terms Defined.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>“Authorized user” means:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A child care facility;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>A health care provider;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>A health insurer;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>A health maintenance organization;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>An institution of higher learning;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>A local health department;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <text>A long-term care facility;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(h)">
        <text>A managed care organization;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(i)">
        <text>A nonprofit health service plan;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(j)">
        <text>A patient;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(k)">
        <text>A pharmacist authorized to administer vaccinations in accordance with Health Occupations Article, §12-508, Annotated Code of Maryland;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(l)">
        <text>A school;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(m)">
        <text>A school-based health center;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(n)">
        <text>In the case of a minor child, a parent or guardian; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(o)">
        <text>Any other authorized user designated by the Secretary.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>“Department” means the Maryland Department of Health.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>“ImmuNet” means a computerized information and reminder system to:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Improve the timely and appropriate delivery of immunizations;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Provide a coordinated network for reminder notices when immunizations are due;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Provide and collect information to be shared by authorized users; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Provide a quality indicator for the insurers’ health care provider practices and public health purposes.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>“Refusal to permit disclosure of information” means the right of an individual or the parent or guardian of a minor to prevent disclosure to authorized users of individual identifiable information that was reported to ImmuNet.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Regional Registry.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>“Regional registry” means a database that contains immunization information for individuals residing in an area of Maryland.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>“Regional registry” includes an immunization database or registry maintained and operated by a local health department.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>“Secretary” means the Secretary of Health.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>“Vaccine information statement (VIS)” means a document that:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Is created and updated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Relates:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>The purpose of specific vaccines;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Schedules of administration; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Possible adverse reactions to specific vaccines.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>