SHB 3059

SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 3059

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Health & Long-Term Care, February 28, 2008
Ways & Means, March 03, 2008

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Hudgins, Hasegawa and Roberts).

Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Fairley, Kastama, Kohl-Welles, Marr and Parlette.

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair, Operating Budget; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, Fairley, Hatfield, Hobbs, Honeyford, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Oemig, Parlette, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schoesler and Tom.

Background: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to lead is especially dangerous to children ages six and younger. Young children are more likely to ingest lead dust making them more susceptible to lead poisoning than adults. In addition, children are smaller than adults and their bodies are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to environmental toxins. Lead poisoning in children can cause irreversible cognitive deficits and delayed neurological and physical development.

Medicaid's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) service is a comprehensive and preventive child health program for individuals under age 21. The EPSDT benefit, in accordance with Section 1905 of the Social Security Act, must include periodic screening, vision, dental, and hearing services, as well as lead toxicity screening.

According to the March 2003 Lead Reporting Update by the Department of Health (DOH), the number of children tested for blood lead levels is quite low in Washington. The DOH estimates that only about 4 percent of Washington children ever receive a blood lead test. The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) isn't providing blood level testing pursuant to EPSDT unless the health care provider or parent requests it.

Summary of Bill: DSHS must provide coverage for lead blood level assessments for any eligible children under 21 years old. This must be done in accordance with Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment services as defined in Section 1905 of Title X1X of the Federal Social Security Act and its implementing regulations and guidelines.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Substitute Bill (Health & Long-Term Care): PRO: Our state needs to comply with federal law and screen kids for lead. There are new sources of lead exposure in our environment. We used to focus on lead paint, but now its in toys, food, and jewelry. It's critical that we protect kids from the dangers of lead all around us.

Persons Testifying (Health & Long-Term Care): PRO: Representative Zack Hudgins, prime sponsor.