BILL REQ. #:  H-0942.1 

Read first time 02/02/2007.   Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.

     AN ACT Relating to a strategic plan to decrease obesity rates; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) By January 1, 2010, the state department of health shall draft a strategic plan to decrease obesity rates in children and adults by ten percent. The department shall consult with physicians, health professionals, school educators, worksite wellness and employee benefits counselors, athletic trainers in schools, and professional athletes and trainers.
     (2) In developing its strategic plan, the department shall address the following:
     (a) Identify barriers to effective control of obesity including the impact of diet, exercise, and lifestyle;
     (b) Review the current health effects of obesity and morbid obesity including rampant diabetes and make recommendations on best practices and appropriate clinical guidelines to manage diabetes mellitus;
     (c) Review current screening, treatment, and related activities in this state related to diabetes and identify gaps in service;
     (d) Identify actions to be taken to reduce the morbidity and mortality from obesity and morbid obesity, including diabetes, by September 1, 2009; and
     (e) Establish a timeline for taking those actions.
     (3) The department shall, by January 1, 2010, report its findings to the legislature and the governor's office. The report shall also include recommended policy and procedural changes, as well as required funding necessary to achieve the goals of the strategic plan.