| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Commerce & Labor Committee | |
HB 3331
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: Identifying methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus as a presumptive occupational disease affecting firefighters.
Sponsors: Representatives Conway, Darneille, Simpson and Wallace.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/4/08
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
A worker who, in the course of employment, suffers disability from an occupational disease is
entitled to benefits under the Industrial Insurance Act. To prove an occupational disease, the
injured worker must show that the disease arose "naturally and proximately" out of employment.
For members of the Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' retirement system and certain
private sector firefighters, there is a prima facie presumption that the following are occupational
diseases: respiratory disease, certain heart problems, specified cancers, and infectious diseases.
The presumption for infectious diseases extends to Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome, hepatitis, meningococcal meningitis, and mycobacterium
tuberculosis.
The presumption of occupational disease may be rebutted by a preponderance of evidence,
including, but not limited to: use of tobacco products, physical fitness and weight, lifestyle,
hereditary factors, and exposure from other employment or non-employment activities.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is a type of staph infection that is
resistant to certain antibiotics. MRSA infections occur most frequently among persons in
hospitals and healthcare facilities who have weakened immune systems. In the community,
MRSA infections are usually manifested as skin infections, and occur in otherwise healthy
people. Factors that have been associated with the spread of MRSA skin infections include:
close skin-to-skin contact; openings in the skin, such as cuts or abrasions; contaminated items
and surfaces; crowded conditions; and poor hygiene.
Summary of Bill:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is added to the list of infectious diseases
that are presumptive occupational diseases for industrial insurance purposes for certain
firefighters.
Rules Authority: The bill does not address the rule-making powers of an agency.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.