BILL NUMBER: S5870

SPONSOR: CARLUCCI
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the public health law, in relation to
the screening of children for eating disorders

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1. The public health law is amended by adding a new section
2500-1 to read as follows:

§ 2500-1. Eating disorders; screening of children. 1. The commissioner
shall establish, for use by pediatric primary care providers, best prac-
tice protocols for early screening of children for eating disorders.
Such protocols shall incorporate standards and guidelines established by
the American Academy of Pediatrics, and shall be updated at least bien-
nially.

2. The commissioner shall promulgate any rules and regulations necessary
to implement the provisions of this section.

Section 2: Effective Date.
              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Currently, there is no standardized screening approach for the early
identification of eating disorders. Screening is a way to detect a
disorder before the onset of symptoms. Early detection may prevent
psychological or physical concerns of malnutrition that may lead to
other health consequences.

To promote and improve the early identification of eating disorders, the
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a report in 2003 that
recommends screening for eating disorders "should be part of routine
annual healthcare. Despite these recommendations, some busy pediatric
practices do not consistently implement screening.

Early treatment of eating disorders can have a significantly positive
impact on the health and well-being of children and adolescents.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on immediately.