Governor signs bill to repeal scoliosis screenings in public schools

Rep. Green promotes efficiency by eliminating an outdated practice

April 9, 2009

OLYMPIA – Today, Gov. Christine Gregoire signed a bill to relieve public school nurses and students of mandated scoliosis screenings.

Recognizing the need for more efficient practices in the public school system, Rep. Tami Green (D-Lakewood) introduced House Bill 1322, which removes the scoliosis screening requirement currently demanded of fifth, seventh and ninth graders statewide.

“In a time when school nurses are spread thin, we should evaluate what tasks we are mandating,” Green said. “In these tough times we have to look at every way for our public services to be efficient and effective.”

Nearly 150,000 students were screened for scoliosis in the 2004-2005 school year. Of those students, only thirty percent of them were referred to health care providers. The number treated was even smaller; 20 were treated with a brace and 11 were treated with surgery.

Scoliosis, which is a condition in which the spine curves away from the center of the body in an “S” or a “C” shape, affects approximately two-to-three percent of the general population.

“By cutting out inefficient practices, we can allocate more resources to more students,” Green said.

The bill will take effect 90 days after the adjournment of the 2009 legislative session.

　

###

Contact: Rep. Tami Green (360) 786-7958; green.tami@leg.wa.gov

Downloadable photo: http://leg.wa.gov/documents/House/Members/Photos/Green.jpg

Staff Contact: Jamie Badilla (360) 786-7255; Badilla.jamie@leg.wa.gov

Radio and TV News Directors:  To obtain broadcast-quality audio on these issues, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact House Democratic Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov  or (360) 786-7208.