Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
SB 6299
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 Description: Requiring the department of health to develop and make available resources for pregnant women regarding prenatal nutrition.
Sponsors: Senators Becker, Keiser and Kohl-Welles.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/19/14
Staff: Alexa Silver (786-7190).
Background:
Pregnant women have special nutritional needs. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends, for example, that pregnant women consume adequate vitamins and minerals and avoid foods that may cause listeriosis.
The Department of Health (Department) operates a website, the Health Education Resource Exchange, that provides brochures and fact sheets on a variety of health-related topics, including pregnancy. Pregnancy-related fact sheets on the Health Education Resource Exchange include information about harmful foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and oral health during pregnancy.
Summary of Bill:
The Department must develop and make available educational resources for pregnant women regarding prenatal nutrition best practices to promote infant health. The resources may include courses delivered in-person or electronically, as well as pamphlets printed on paper or made available on the Department's website.
The educational resources are intended to provide pregnant women with knowledge of healthy foods and essential nutrients to promote infant growth and development.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.