Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Human Services & Early Learning Committee |
HB 1605
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Requiring traumatic brain injury screenings for children entering the foster care system.
Sponsors: Representatives Dent, Peterson, Griffey, Caldier, Goodman, Volz, Stanford, Lovick, Reeves, Klippert, Frame, Schmick, Harris, Appleton, Kretz, DeBolt, Cody, Macri, Orwall, Shea, Blake, Kloba, Doglio, Ortiz-Self, Eslick, Jinkins, Van Werven, Fey, Ormsby, Callan, Bergquist, Tarleton and Leavitt.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/12/19
Staff: Luke Wickham (786-7146).
Background:
Child Health and Education Tracking.
A Child Health and Education Tracking (CHET) screening is conducted by a Department of Children, Youth, and Families screener within 30 days of a child's placement in out-of-home care. This evaluation includes:
meeting with each child in person to complete the screen if possible;
assessing each child in the developmentally appropriate domain according to a CHET handbook;
obtaining information from sources such as parents, caregivers, and teachers; and
documenting the long-term, well-being needs of the child.
Following a CHET screen, the screener must make referrals to:
the Early Support for Infants and Toddlers program if a developmental delay is identified for children younger than age 3; and
Apple Health Core Connections.
The screener must also provide the CHET screening report to caregivers and the assigned social worker within 5 days of completing the screen.
Traumatic Brain Injury.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury. According to the CDC, everyone is at risk for a TBI, especially children and older adults.
Summary of Bill:
The DCYF must include a screening for traumatic brain injury in the CHET screening.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 8, 2019.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.