SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6223

BYSenators Rinehart, Bailey, Bender, Gaspard, Metcalf, Lee, Murray, Talmadge and Craswell;by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Changing the frequency of scoliosis screening in public schools.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 31, 1990; February 1, 1990

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6223 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Lee, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Bender, Benitz, Craswell, Gaspard, Metcalf, Murray, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Susan Mosborg (786-7439)

                  February 2, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 1, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine, commonly appearing in adolescence, which can develop into a permanent, crippling disability if left untreated.

Current statute directs the Superintendent of Public Instruction to provide for and require yearly scoliosis screening of all public school students in grades 5 through 10 (RCW 28A.31.134).  It is suggested that reducing the frequency of screening would save resources yet provide for adequate detection of the condition.

SUMMARY:

The frequency of required scoliosis screening in the public schools is reduced from yearly screening of all students in grades 5 through 10, to periodic screening of all students in grades 6 and 8.

A provision concerning waiving the screening requirement for grades 9 and 10 in the school years 1985-86 and 1986-87 is repealed.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The frequency of required scoliosis screening in the public schools shall be annual screening in grades 5, 7 and 9.  School districts must also screen students in grades 6 and 8 who have transferred during the school year from a district not providing scoliosis screening.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Senate Committee - Testified: FOR:  Judy Maire, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; Bob Davis, M.D., Department of Health; Mary Jane Johnson, School Nurse Organization of Washington; Mike Rhyerd, National Scoliosis Foundation