| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Health Care & Wellness Committee | |
HB 3119
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Concerning human immunodeficiency virus testing of infants placed in out-of-home care.
Sponsors: Representative Rolfes.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/30/08
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
In 2004 the Legislature required the Department of Social and Health Services (Department) to
inform each out-of-home care provider if the child placed in their care is infected with a blood
borne pathogen. All out-of-home care providers are required to receive training related to blood
borne pathogens, including prevention, transmission, infection control, treatment, testing, and
confidentiality.
The Department of Health has recommended that the specific blood borne pathogen that should
be tested for in infants under one year of age who are being or have been placed in out-of-home
care be limited to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Summary of Bill:
When an infant under one year of age is placed in out-of-home care the Department will request
the infant's treating physician to administer an HIV test if the HIV status of the mother is
unknown. If an infant tests positive for HIV the Department will request follow-up testing If a
parent objects to their infant being tested based on their religious tenets and practices and states
so in writing, an HIV test will not be performed on the infant.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 28, 2008.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.