STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1008

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 578

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committees on Education and Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 578, H.D. 2, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

 

beg leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require all children attending Department of Education schools to provide written documentation of a physical examination performed within the twelve months prior to attending seventh grade.

 

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education, Department of Health, University of Hawaii System, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Hawaii Medical Service Association, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Island School Garden Network, Hawaii Primary Care Association, American Academy of Pediatrics Hawaii Chapter, and four individuals.

 

     Your Committees find that students are only required to undergo a physical examination for purposes of school enrollment prior to entering kindergarten or first entering the public schools.  Many other states and private schools have additional physical examination requirements.  Requiring a physical examination prior to entering seventh grade coincides with adolescent immunization updates and is a good time for doctors to conduct routine screenings and provide health counseling.  The requirement would also promote more regular doctor visits for children, many of whom only visit a doctor for emergencies or acute illnesses.

 

     Your Committees have amended this measure by making a technical amendment for the purpose of clarity and consistency.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Education and Health that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 578, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 578, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Education and Health,

 

________________________________

JOSH GREEN, Chair

 

________________________________

MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair