SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5841

                AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 9, 1993

Brief Description:  Requiring an outreach campaign on shaken baby syndrome.

SPONSORS: Senators Moyer, Prentice, Talmadge, Quigley, Prince, Hochstatter, McAuliffe, Erwin, West, Sheldon and Winsley

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

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

Staff:  Joanne Conrad (786‑7472)

Hearing Dates: February 24, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs when infants and very young children are vigorously shaken by caregivers.  Often, the caregivers do not realize that an infant's brain and spinal cord is vulnerable to serious injury or death.  Medical effects of Shaken Baby Syndrome can include brain damage, blindness, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, spinal cord injury, seizures, or learning disabilities.  It is believed that non-malicious but injurious shaking of infants can be prevented by improved public education and awareness.

SUMMARY:

A public information and communication outreach program regarding Shaken Baby Syndrome is established, by providing information on prevention to parents of newborns, upon discharge from a hospital or midwife-assisted birth. 

The Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect provides brochures on Shaken Baby Syndrome, and, within available funds, may also provide information through the use of hotlines, electronic media, and existing parenting education programs.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The bill will enable the council to reach more people with preventive information.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Kip Tokuda, WA Council for Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect