(a)

1. (1) Immunizations of preschool-age children is a requirement for transitional employment assistance (TEA).
2. (2) Exemptions to this requirement due to religious beliefs or medical problems may be approved as described below.

(b)

1. (1) During the application process, verification of immunizations for children age two (2) months to five (5) years is requested.
2. (2) Each preschool-age child included in the assistance unit must meet the immunization requirement or be exempted from it as described below.
3. (3) Noncompliance with the immunization requirement, for any or all of the children, will result in a twenty-five percent (25%) reduction in the payment amount for which the family is otherwise eligible.

(c) If a parent was given thirty (30) days to have the children included in the TEA case immunized:

1. (1) Verification must be provided by the thirtieth day;
2. (2) If the parent does not bring the verification, the worker will issue a ten-day notice stating that unless verification of the immunizations is received, the TEA cash assistance payment will be reduced;
3. (3) The family may provide the child’s immunization (shot) record or verification from the local health department or physician; and
4. (4) See Appendix A for the American Academy of Pediatrics Immunization Schedule, which identifies the age and type of immunization the child should have.

(d) Exemptions due to religious beliefs or medical problems.

1. (1) A parent or caretaker relative who refuses to have a child immunized because of religious beliefs or because of a medical problem, e.g., allergic reaction, must provide verification that an exemption has been granted by the Department of Health.

2. (2)

   1. (A) To obtain such exemption, the parent must request a Religious Exemption Application or Medical Exemption Application from the department.
   2. (B) The address is: 4815 West Markham Little Rock, AR 72205
   3. (C) The toll-free telephone number is 1-800-482-5400.
3. (3) Upon completion, the application must be submitted to the department at the above address for a decision.

4. (4)

   1. (A) The decision will be sent directly to the parent, parents, or caretaker relative.
   2. (B) The normal processing time is two (2) weeks.

5. (5)

   1. (A) The parent, parents, or caretaker relative must provide verification of the decision within thirty (30) days from the date the TEA application is approved or the date in which the child is added to the TEA case, if eligible for payment.
   2. (B) Failure to provide such verification will result in the TEA cash assistance payment being reduced after appropriate notice.
6. (6) If, however, a decision remains pending from the department at the end of the thirty (30) days, verification of pending status will be obtained by the applicant from the department and provided to the case worker.
7. (7) Note. Requests can be made only to the Central Office of the Department of Health listed above, not to the local health units.