1. (a) The principles of hygiene and sanitary science must be taught in grade 5 of each public school and may be taught in other grades. This instruction must explain the ways that dangerous communicable diseases are spread and the sanitary methods for disease prevention and restriction.

2. (b) The state health commissioner and the secretary of education shall jointly compile a leaflet describing the principles of hygiene, sanitary science, and disease prevention and shall supply the leaflets to each superintendent, who shall:

   1. (1) supply the leaflets to each school; and
   2. (2) require the teachers to comply with this section.
3. (c) Each prosecuting attorney to whom the state department of health or the state department of health's agents report any violation of this section shall commence proceedings against the violator.

4. (d) Any student who objects in writing, or any student less than eighteen (18) years of age whose parent or guardian objects in writing, to health and hygiene courses because the courses conflict with the student's religious teachings is entitled to be excused from receiving medical instruction or instruction in hygiene or sanitary science without penalties concerning grades or graduation.

   [Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-10.1-4-7.]

As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.14. Amended by P.L.43-2021, SEC.99.