2529-S AMS HHS S5505.1

SHB 2529 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Health & Human Services

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "Sec. 1.  RCW 26.33.350 and 1991 c 136 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) Every person, firm, society, association, ((or)) corporation, or state agency receiving, securing a home for, or otherwise caring for a minor child shall transmit to the prospective adopting parent prior to placement and shall make available to all persons with whom a child has been placed by adoption a complete medical report containing all known and available information concerning the mental, physical, and sensory handicaps of the child.

(2) The report shall not reveal the identity of the ((natural)) birth parent of the child except as authorized under this chapter but shall include any known or available mental or physical health history of the ((natural)) birth parent that needs to be known by the adoptive parent to facilitate proper health care for the child or that will assist the adoptive parent in maximizing the developmental potential of the child.

    (((2))) (3) Where known or available, the information provided shall include:

    (a) A review of the birth family's and the child's previous medical history, ((if available,)) including the child's x-rays, examinations, hospitalizations, and immunizations.  After July 1, 1992, medical histories shall be given on a standardized reporting form developed by the department;

    (b) A physical exam of the child by a licensed physician with appropriate laboratory tests and x-rays;

    (c) A referral to a specialist if indicated; and

    (d) A written copy of the evaluation with recommendations to the adoptive family receiving the report.

(4) Entities and persons obligated to provide information under this section shall make reasonable efforts to locate records and information concerning the child's mental, physical, and sensory handicaps.  The entities or persons providing the information have no duty, beyond providing the information, to explain or interpret the records or information regarding the child's present or future health.

    Sec. 2.  RCW 26.33.380 and 1993 c 81 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Every person, firm, society, association, ((or)) corporation, or state agency receiving, securing a home for, or otherwise caring for a minor child shall transmit to the prospective adopting parent prior to placement and shall make available to all persons with whom a child has been placed by adoption, a family background and child and family social history report, which includes a chronological history of the circumstances surrounding the adoptive placement and any available psychiatric reports, psychological reports, court reports pertaining to dependency or custody, or school reports.  Such reports or information shall not reveal the identity of the birth parents of the child but shall contain reasonably available nonidentifying information.

(2) Entities and persons obligated to provide information under this section shall make reasonable efforts to locate records and information concerning the child's family background and social history.  The entities or persons providing the information have no duty, beyond providing the information, to explain or interpret the records or information regarding the child's mental or physical health.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  A new section is added to chapter 26.33 RCW to read as follows:

    The department shall adopt rules, in consultation with affected parties, establishing minimum standards for making reasonable efforts to locate records and information relating to adoptions as required under RCW 26.33.350 and 26.33.380."

SHB 2529 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Health & Human Services

    On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "adoption;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "amending RCW 26.33.350 and 26.33.380; and adding a new section to chapter 26.33 RCW."

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