ANALYSIS OF HOUSE BILL 1372

   Repealing the requirement to maintain a registry for handicapped children.

Health Care Committee                          February 4, 1999

Washington State House of Representatives

SPONSORS:  Representatives Schual-Berke and Esser.

BACKGROUND:  In Washington state, birth defects occur in about 2.6 percent of live births.  These conditions account for 20 to 30 percent of all infant deaths, and numerous cases of disability.  While advances in science have contributed to the prevention of birth defects and its related disabilities, the Department of Health (DOH) continues to need accurate data to plan and provide services for these children. 

Birth defects currently are reported to the agency under the Registry for Handicapped Children (RCW 70.58.300 and 70.58.310).  However, the state=s notifiable conditions regulations makes the registry statute redundant.

Presently, the following are reported:

Anencephaly             Spina bifida           Cleft lip with/without cleft palate

Cleft palate            Limb reduction defects          hypospadias (2nd and 3rd

Gastroschisis           Omphalocele                     degree)

Cerebral palsy          Fetal alcohol syndrome Down syndrome

SUMMARY: The bill repeals redundant statutes relying upon existing rules for authority.