Authority: IC 12-13-2-3; IC 12-13-5-3; IC 12-14-28-7

Affected: IC 12-13; IC 12-14-2-21

Sec. 3. (a) At:

1. (1) the next scheduled redetermination of eligibility following the authorization of initial eligibility for TANF assistance; and
2. (2) each subsequent redetermination of eligibility;

it shall be verified that all children who are TANF assistance recipients have received their childhood immunizations as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

(b) If the parent or caretaker relative fails or refuses to comply with the immunization requirements, the division shall review the circumstances to determine whether a fiscal penalty under subsection (c) should be imposed. A fiscal penalty shall not be imposed until:

1. (1) the reason for the failure to comply has been identified; and
2. (2) any barriers to compliance have been addressed.

(c) TANF assistance benefits shall be reduced by ninety dollars ($90) per month for a parent or caretaker relative's failure or refusal, without good cause, to comply with the requirements of this section.

(d) As used in this section, "good cause" means the recipient:

1. (1) refuses to have a child immunized because of religious beliefs; or
2. (2) has documented medical evidence from a licensed health care professional that an immunization is not available or appropriate for a child.

(e) Fiscal penalties imposed under subsection (c) shall cease when the division receives verification that the required immunizations have been received.

(Division of Family Resources; 470 IAC 10.3-9-3; filed Oct 31, 2007, 9:57 a.m.: 20071128-IR-470070087FRA; readopted filed Aug 23, 2013, 3:36 p.m.: 20130918-IR-470130306RFA; readopted filed Nov 13, 2019, 11:56 a.m.: 20191211-IR-470190490RFA; readopted filed Oct 8, 2025, 3:15 p.m.: 20251105-IR-470240501RFA)