Resolve, To Examine Data Discrepancies and Adequately Identify and Serve Children with Brain Injuries

Sec. 1. Review data. Resolved: That the Department of Education shall review the 2004 study of members of MaineCare under 18 years of age who were identified with a diagnosis of brain injury and compare it to the 2007 Office of Special Services data that indicated only 81 children statewide identified as having a brain injury; and be it further

Sec. 2. Evaluation. Resolved: That the Department of Education shall, in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services, educators and pediatricians, evaluate the steps needed to better identify, educate and coordinate services consistent with best evidence-based practices for students with brain injuries in order to maximize each child’s recovery and education. The department shall also investigate available tests for educators in order to develop a plan for annual health screening of children and youth in schools that includes a set of questions designed specifically to identify possible brain injury; and be it further

Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That the Department of Education shall report to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs by February 15, 2010 with its findings, recommendations and suggested legislation. The Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs is authorized to submit legislation on screening and educating children with brain injuries to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature.

SUMMARY

This resolve requires the Department of Education to review the discrepancy in information available in data from MaineCare and the Office of Special Services regarding the number of children in the State identified with brain injuries. The department shall also investigate the availability of testing and screening that is available to develop a plan to institute annual health screening of children and youth in schools for brain injury. The department shall report to the Legislature by February 15, 2010 with its findings, recommendations and suggested legislation.