SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1377
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, APRIL 4, 1991
Brief Description: Revising provisions for the screening program for scoliosis.
SPONSORS:Representatives Peery, Cole, G. Fisher, Betrozoff, Miller and Jacobsen; by request of Board of Health.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Erwin, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Craswell, Metcalf, Murray, Oke, Pelz, Rinehart, A. Smith, and Talmadge.
Staff: Larry Davis (786‑7422)
Hearing Dates:April 2, 1991; April 4, 1991
BACKGROUND:
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine, commonly appearing in adolescence, which can develop into a permanent, crippling disability if left untreated. Early diagnosis can often result in successful treatment and reduce the need for surgery.
Current statute gives the state Board of Health rule-making authority for the state scoliosis screening program which is administered by the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI). However, the Board of Health's rule-making authority does not extend to establishing the required grade levels of scoliosis screening. The statute directs the SPI to provide for and require screening in the public schools of all students in grades five through ten.
SUMMARY:
The frequency of required scoliosis screening in the public schools is reduced from annual screening of all students in grades five through ten, to requiring that public school students be examined for scoliosis at least three times between grades four and 11.
The state Board of Health is given rule-making authority to implement the change in law, in cooperation with both the Department of Health and the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Current law allowing the Superintendent of Public Instruction to waive the scoliosis screening requirement for grades nine and ten is repealed.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: available
TESTIMONY FOR: None
TESTIMONY AGAINST: None
TESTIFIED: No one