HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5074
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 House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to scoliosis screening in schools.
Brief Description: Concerning scoliosis screening in schools.
Sponsors: Senators Marr, Jacobsen, Sheldon, Fairley, Franklin, Regala, Oemig, Hargrove, Hobbs, Keiser, Jarrett, Kline, Kilmer and Tom.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 3/17/09 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Driscoll, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Campbell, Clibborn, Green, Herrera, Hinkle, Kelley, Moeller and Pedersen.
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191)
Background:
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves away from the center of the body in an "S" or a "C" shape. Many cases of scoliosis are mild and require no treatment. For more severe cases, treatment with a brace or surgery may be warranted.
Public school students must be screened for scoliosis at least three times; once in the fifth grade, once in the seventh grade, and once in the ninth grade. The procedures used for the screenings must be consistent with the standards of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The parent or guardian of any student suspected of having scoliosis must be notified of the results of the screening and be provided with information about treatment services available from health care providers.
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Summary of Bill:
The scoliosis screening program for public school students is repealed.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) School nurses are stretched thin. Many kids come to school with complicated medical needs and the nurse-to-student ratio is high. School nurses have busy jobs with a variety of different tasks. Scoliosis screenings are an unnecessary mandate and are a financial burden on school districts. The screenings are neither educationally-related nor evidence-based. They also do not lead to many positive diagnoses; most cases of scoliosis are initially found by parents.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Susan Anderson, School Nurses of Washington; and Gayle Thronson, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.