The legislature recognizes that the condition known as scoliosis, a lateral curvature of the spine commonly appearing in adolescents, can develop into a permanent, crippling disability if left untreated. Early diagnosis and referral can often result in the successful treatment of this condition and greatly reduce the need for major surgery. Therefore, the purpose of RCW 28A.210.180 through 28A.210.250 is to recognize that a school screening program is an invaluable tool for detecting the number of adolescents with scoliosis. It is the intent of the legislature to insure that the superintendent of public instruction provide and require screening of children for the condition known as scoliosis, to ascertain which, if any, of these children have defects requiring corrective treatment.

[1991 c 86 § 1; 1990 c 33 § 201; 1985 c 216 § 1; 1979 c 47 § 1. Formerly RCW 28A.31.130.]

NOTES:

     Severability -- 1979 c 47: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [1979 c 47 § 8.]