Requires public school students to be screened for eating disorders

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 903 of the education law, as separately amended by section 11 of part B of chapter 58 and chapter 281 of the laws of 2007, is amended that a health certificated shall be furnished by each student in the public schools upon his or her entrance in such schools. An examination and health history of any child may be required by the local school authorities at any time in their discretion. Each certificate is required at least twice during the elementary grades and twice in the secondary grades and they shall be signed by a duly licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner who is authorized by law to practice in the state or jurisdiction in which, the examination was driven. Furthermore, each certificate shall include an assessment of the student for eating disorders.

Subdivision 1 of section 904 of the education law, as amended by section 12 of part B of chapter 5S of the laws of 2007 is amended to require each principal of a public school to report to the director of school health services all names of children who have not furnished health certificates or who are children with disabilities. If it should be ascertained, upon such test or examination, that any of such students have an eating disorder, the principal shall notify the parents.

This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date of which it shall have become a law.

Justification

According to the National Eating Disorder Association, nearly 24 million people suffer from anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Millions practice disordered eating due to an obsession with dieting. Over the years these numbers have continued to rise, along with the stigma and lack of awareness of eating disorders.

The peak onset of eating disorders occurs during puberty and the late teen/early adult years, but symptoms can occur as young as kindergarten. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, eating disorders are serious illnesses with a biological basis modified and influenced by emotional and cultural factors. Eating disorders are preventable

and treatable, yet hundreds of people die from them each year because of laze/inaccurate diagnosis. Anorexia has the highest morality rate of any mental illness. Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses with often severe physical consequences. They also cross all racial lines. A recent 10 year study found that African American girls are 50% more likely to be bulimic than are white girls. Sadly, many of these and other cases go undetected and untreated.

New York State recognizes the importance of addressing this problem and has already taken some important first. In 2004 the Legislature established and funded a network of Comprehensive Care Centers for Eating Disorders around the state. In 2007 ,the Legislature took another step and established the Child Performer Advisory Board to Prevent Eating Disorders. This board is expected to report its recommendations in the near future. Despite the State's leadership role in this area, many misconceptions and misdiagnosis continue to surround eating disorders. New York State must take the next step and pass this bill to help in identifying and treating of eating disorders early so that lives can be saved. Screening by physicians prior to admission to school is already a law and to add a quick check on eating disorders would be of minimal inconvenience to physicians.

Prior legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

Not applicable.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date of which it shall have become a law.