FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1372

                          C 38 L 99

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Repealing the requirement to maintain a registry for handicapped children.

Sponsors:  Representatives Schual‑Berke, Esser, Boldt and Keiser; by request of Department of Health.

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:

In Washington, birth defects occur in about 2.6 percent of live births.  These conditions account for 20 to 30 percent of all infant deaths and numerous cases of disability.  While advances in science have contributed to the prevention of birth defects and its related disabilities, the Department of Health (DOH) continues to need accurate data to plan and provide services for these children.

Birth defects are reported to the DOH under the Registry for Handicapped Children statutes, which were first enacted in 1959.  However, the state's "notifiable conditions" requirement, as expressed in rule, has changed substantially over the years, rendering the law redundant.

Summary:

Redundant statutes relating to birth defect reporting are repealed, thus relying upon existing rules for authority to collect birth defect data.

Votes on Final Passage:

House980

Senate420

Effective:July 25, 1999