Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Health Care Committee

HB 2011

Brief Description:  Clarifying licensing for public psychiatric facilities.

Sponsors:  Representatives Campbell, Darneille, Bush, Lantz and Cody.

Brief Summary of Bill

$A public entity, including a like institution not otherwise established by statute, which establishes an institution for serving patients with mental illness or chemical dependency must be licensed by the Department of Health.

Hearing Date:  2/20/01

Staff:  John Welsh (786‑7133).

Background: 

Current law requires that a person, association, or corporation establishing an institution, including a hospital or sanitarium, which cares for patients with mental illness or chemical dependency for compensation must be licensed by the Department of Health.  The operation of an unlicensed institution is a misdemeanor.

There is no specific licensing requirement  for a public entity establishing an institution for serving patients with mental illness or chemical dependency.

Summary of Bill: 

A public entity, including a like facility not otherwise established by statute, establishing an institution serving mentally ill or chemically dependent persons, must be licensed by the Department of Health.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.