Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 1852


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Modifying treatment records provisions.

Sponsors: Representatives Green, Cody, Kenney and Schual-Berke; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • The Department of Social and Health Services is authorized to share drug, emergency room, and hospital information that may contain a mental health diagnosis with the client's prescribing providers for the purposes of care coordination.

Hearing Date: 2/14/07

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

There are federal and state confidentiality laws regarding sharing medical billing information. Federal confidentiality laws permit sharing medical billing information for the purposes of care coordination. The state law prohibits sharing mental health drug and diagnosis information contained in a medical bill.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Social and Health Services is authorized to share drug, emergency room, and hospital information that may contain a mental health diagnosis with the client's prescribing providers for the purposes of care coordination.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.