Title: An act relating to information about the human papillomavirus disease and vaccine.

Brief Description: Providing information about the human papillomavirus disease and vaccine.

Sponsors: Representatives Darneille, Kenney, Dickerson, Hankins, Linville, Cody, Roberts, Appleton, Schual-Berke, Walsh, Santos, Wallace, Haigh, Simpson, Green, Clibborn, Warnick, Rolfes, Morrell, Pettigrew, Bailey, Lantz, Eddy, Sommers, Kessler, Kagi, Skinner, McDonald, Chase, Hudgins, Hasegawa, Pedersen, Ericks, Goodman and Moeller.

Brief History:

Health Care & Wellness: 2/7/07, 2/14/07 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Barlow, Campbell, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Condotta and Curtis.

Staff: Chris Cordes (786-7103).

Background:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 strains or types. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted. These viruses can infect various parts of the body, including the genital areas of men and women and the linings of women's vagina and cervix. The CDC reports that most people who become infected will not have symptoms, but some will develop genital warts or pre-cancerous changes in the infected body part. However, about 10 of the 30 identified genital HPV types can lead, in rare cases, to development of cervical cancer. The CDC reports indicate that persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer. For 2006, the American Cancer Society estimated that 9,700 American women would develop invasive cervical cancer and that about 3,700 women would die from the disease.

In 2006, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (Committee) recommended the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer caused by certain types of HPV. According to the Committee, the vaccine protects against four HPV types which cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers and 90 percent of genital warts, but does not treat existing HPV infections, genital warts, precancers, or cancers. The federal Food and Drug Administration has licensed the vaccine for use in females ages nine to 26 years.

This HPV vaccine is given in a series of three vaccinations over a six-month period at a retail cost of $360. The Committee recommended the vaccine for 11 to 12 year-old girls, and for 13 to 26 year-old girls and women who have not received or completed the vaccine series.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

At the beginning of every school year, starting with sixth grade entry, all public and private schools in the state must provide parents and guardians with information about human papillomavirus (HPV) disease and its vaccine. The information must include:

• the disease's causes and symptoms and where more information and vaccinations may be obtained; and
• current recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the vaccine and where the vaccine can be received.

These provisions do not require the Department of Health (DOH) to provide the HPV vaccination to children or create a private right of action.

The DOH must prepare the informational materials and consult with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill makes only technical changes to avoid duplication of language in the code.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) There is a long way to go in combating cancer, but this bill provides an exciting opportunity to affect women's health. Nationally there are 100,000 new cervical cancer cases each year and 3,700 deaths, with 150 in Washington. This bill only requires education, not a mandate to provide the vaccine. Increasing education about this virus and its diseases is very important. There are other health problems linked to HPV, besides cancer, that parents should know about. But many states are either requiring the vaccine or considering doing so. The Governor recognized the importance of the issue by putting $22 million in her budget to allow the Department of Health to provide the vaccine. Cervical cancer impacts Hispanic women at a much higher rate. Low-income women have much less access to screening for this disease.

(Opposed) Cervical cancer is a very important health issue, but it is an issue that parents should educate their children about. Private schools should make the choice about whether to provide this information; it should not be a mandate for them. In this state, private schools are given a great deal of autonomy in choosing how to educate their students, and this issue should not be treated differently.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Darneille, prime sponsor; and Erin Dziedzic, American Cancer Society.

(Opposed) Judy Jennings, Washington Federation of Independent Schools.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.