Title: An act relating to information about the human papillomavirus disease and vaccine.

Brief Description: Providing information about the human papillomavirus disease and vaccine.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Darneille, Kenney, Dickerson, Hankins, Linville, Cody, Roberts, Appleton, Schual-Berke, Walsh, Santos, Wallace, Haigh, Simpson, Green, Clibborn, Warnick, Rolfes, Morrell, Pettigrew, Bailey, Lantz, Eddy, Sommers, Kessler, Kagi, Skinner, McDonald, Chase, Hudgins, Hasegawa, Pedersen, Ericks, Goodman and Moeller).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/12/07, 73-22.

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/28/07, 3/30/07 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Fairley, Kastama, Kohl-Welles, Marr and Parlette.

Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786-7465)

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a group of viruses that include more than 100 strains or types. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted. Contracting this virus most often doesn't produce symptoms, but about 10 of the 30 identified sexually-transmitted HPV viruses can lead to cervical cancer. For 2006, the American Cancer Society estimated that 9,700 women in the United States would develop invasive cervical cancer and that about 3,700 women would die from the disease.

In 2006, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (Committee) recommended the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer caused by certain types of HPV. According to the Committee, the vaccine protects against four HPV types which cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers and 90 percent of genital warts, but does not treat existing HPV infections, genital warts, precancers, or cancers. The federal Food and Drug Administration has licensed the vaccine for use in females ages nine to 26 years.

Summary of Substitute Bill: At the beginning of every school year, starting with the sixth grade entry, all public and private schools in the state must provide parents and guardians with information about HPV disease and its vaccine. The information must include the disease's causes and symptoms, where more information and vaccinations may be obtained, current recommendations from the federal CDC regarding the vaccine, and when the vaccine can be received.

These provisions do not require the Department of Health (DOH) to provide the HPV vaccination to children.

The DOH must prepare the informational materials and consult with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT(S) AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Health & Long-Term Care): Private schools are required to inform parents that information about HPV disease, prepared by the DOH, is available.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This information will help young women avoid cervical cancer. Many young women have no idea there is a vaccine for some of the most dangerous strains of HPV. If they are given the information, future suffering could be avoided.

CON: There is no reason to mandate information about a disease that is not contagious, but is sexually transmitted. We do not want private, independent schools to be subjected to state mandates when this will conflict with the mission of our faith-based schools.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Darneille, prime sponsor; Jessica Weiss, citizen; Health Dunham, American Cancer Society volunteer.

CON: Judy Jennings, Washington Federation of Independent Schools; Donna Christianson, Washington State Catholic Conference.