SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5674

     AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES,

                         MARCH 2, 1993

Brief Description:  Creating programs for persons with fetal alcohol syndrome.

SPONSORS: Senators Erwin, Talmadge, Moyer, L. Smith, Winsley, Deccio, Hargrove, Franklin and Prentice

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5674 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means. 

     Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Wojahn, Vice Chairman; Deccio, Erwin, Franklin, Fraser, Hargrove, McAuliffe, Moyer, Prentice, Quigley, Sheldon, L. Smith, and Winsley.

Staff:  Richard Rodger (786‑7461)

Hearing Dates: February 25, 1993; March 2, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a medically diagnosed birth defect caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol.  FAS is characterized by a cluster of congenital defects that include prenatal and postnatal growth deficiency, facial malformations, central nervous system dysfunction, and varying degrees of major organ system malformations.  Children with the syndrome often have low IQ scores, learning disorders, poor judgment abilities, are easily distracted, and have numerous behavioral problems.

Children with disabilities related to FAS are currently classified as developmentally disabled only if they meet the functional definition of mental retardation.

Advocates for children with FAS believe that the state should make greater efforts in providing FAS assessment and screening services, FAS educational programs and materials, and services to FAS children by including them in the definition of "developmental disability."

SUMMARY:

The Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) shall execute an interagency agreement to coordinate FAS services and programs.  Each county shall create a FAS task force to assist state and local agencies in coordinating FAS services and programs.

DOH shall create a FAS screening and assessment program for children.  FAS identification training for physicians and practitioners shall be through the University of Washington and paid for by DOH.  The department shall contract with local public health personnel to provide educational materials and identification and screening services throughout the state.

OSPI shall collect and disseminate information about alcohol consumption risks for pregnant women and the penalties for alcohol-related driving offenses.  OSPI, educational service districts, and local school districts are encouraged to offer in-services FAS training programs for school employees.

Women who have given birth to a child with FAS are given priority status for state-funded alcohol treatment services and programs.  The definition of "developmental disability" is expanded to include those persons with FAS.

The Liquor Control Board shall provide educational information on the hazards and possible adverse effects of alcohol consumption, specifically including information on FAS.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Additional intent language is added regarding the United States Surgeon General's warnings to pregnant women.  The Liquor Control Board is required to post warning signs in each state liquor store.  The Department of Health shall create a FAS screening and assessment pilot project in one county.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 8, 1993

Effective Date:  January 1, 1994

TESTIMONY FOR:

The bill will provide a much needed screening and assessment program.  Additional services may be provided to FAS children as a result of the change to the D.D. definition.  FAS is the only preventable birth defect.  The schools have started teacher training programs on FAS.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

The treatment priority addition is not needed in statute because pregnant women already have first priority for treatment.

TESTIFIED:  Senator Erwin, prime sponsor; Susan Patrick, OSPI; Linda Belle LaFever, FASATF (pro); Susan Trail Alexander, FASATF (pro); Philip Showstead, parent (pro); Jocie Devries, FAS Adolescent Task Force (pro); Vicky McKinney (pro); Reid Wheeler (pro); Sandra Randels, Department of Health; Andre Morley, FAS parent (pro); Santha, FAS parent (pro); Roberta Wright, FAS parent (pro); Tim Roth, FAS parent (pro); Ken Stark, Department of Social and Health Services; Rusty Devries, Joe Schuller, FAS/FAE Boys from Toutle River Boys Ranch (pro)