SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2796

BYRepresentatives Brekke, Prentice and Anderson

Pertaining to birth certificates.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 22, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Smith, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Johnson, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  February 22, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE, FEBRUARY 22, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Parent education is one of the strongest risk factors for indicating poor health outcomes, such as low birth weight, prematurity, and infant mortality and morbidity.  Presently, Washington is one of only three states that does not allow parent education information on the birth certificate.  Without these data, it is difficult to compare Washington with other states.  Further, Washington is limited in its participation in data systems operated by the National Center for Health Statistics, because parent education is excluded from the birth certificate.

If parent education were added to the birth certificate, it would be placed in the section of the certificate that is protected by confidentiality requirements.

SUMMARY:

The prohibition against placing parent education information on the birth certificate is deleted.  The State Board of Health has authority, by rule, to include parent education on the birth certificate.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 23, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified: Elizabeth Ward, Department of Health (pro)