Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Early Learning & Human Services Committee

HB 2695

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.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires that the Department of Early Learning to provide information on safe sleep practices as outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics to applicants for child care licensure.
Stipulates that the Department of Early Learning licensor must assess for safe sleep practices during all monitoring visits.
Specifies that on the first safe sleep practice rule infraction the licensor must complete a compliance agreement with the child care provider.
Requires the Department of Early Learning to revoke the child care provider's license the second time a child care provider is found in violation of safe sleep practices.

Background:

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, sudden unexpected infant death is defined as deaths in infants less than 1 year of age that occur suddenly, and whose cause of death are not immediately obvious prior to investigation. The leading cause of sudden unexpected infant death is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines sudden infant death syndrome as the sudden death of an infant less than 1 year of age that cannot be explained after professionals complete an investigation. SIDS is the leading cause of child fatalities for children 1-12 months of age.

In an effort to prevent sleep-related child fatalities, the American Academy of Pediatrics, establishes guidelines on safe sleep environments. Safe sleep practice guidelines are reviewed and modified periodically. Some examples of safe sleep practices include but are not limited to the following; (1) place a baby to sleep on the back to sleep or nap; (2) place a baby on a firm sleep surface; and (3) keep soft objects, loose bedding, out of the crib.

The Department of Early Learning (DEL) licenses child care family homes and child care centers. Licensing activities include trainings, first aid and CPR training, criminal background checks, and health and safety checks. During initial trainings all licensees receive information on safe sleep practices. Additionally, in rules the DEL establishes requirements for providers relating to sleep and nap practices. The DEL rules are informed by the guidelines set forth in by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Summary of Bill:

House Bill 2695 (HB 2695) requires the Department of Early Learning (DEL) to provide information on safe sleep practices as outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics to applicants for child care licensure. House Bill 2695 also requires the DEL's licensor to assess for safe sleep practices during all monitoring visits. Additionally, HB 2695 specifies that the first time a provider is found in violation of safe sleep practices the DEL's licensor must complete a compliance agreement with the child care provider and advise the provider that failure to comply with safe sleep practices will lead to license revocation. House Bill 2695 concludes by requiring the DEL to revoke the child care provider's license the second time a child care provider is found in violation of safe sleep practices.