S-1283               _______________________________________________

                                    SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 110

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              49th Legislature                              1985 Regular Session

By Senators McManus, McDermott, Granlund, Kreidler, Deccio and Zimmerman

Read first time 2/5/85 and referred to Committee on Human Services and Corrections.

WHEREAS, Health care costs are increasing at an alarming rate; and

          WHEREAS, A growing number of citizens of Washington State cannot pay for health care services; and

          WHEREAS, These citizens are inflicting a growing economic burden on those who provide health care to the poor; and

          WHEREAS, These economic burdens are passed on to all patients and ultimately to society as well; and

          WHEREAS, There is a critical need to examine all aspects of health care to foster programs which are both sensitive to the needy and are cost-effective for all citizens;

          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Senate of the State of Washington, the House of Representatives concurring, That a joint select committee on health care cost containment be created to examine methods to reduce costs and improve health care; and

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee survey and analyze the following:

          (1) Hospital posting of high cost medical services;

          (2) Licensing of alternative medical care;

          (3) Low-overhead clinics;

          (4) Mandated alternatives to the medical model in health insurance plans;

          (5) State-funded wellness clinics;

          (6) Hypertensive screening to prevent higher cost illnesses;

          (7) Permit nursing homes, convalescent centers, and similar organizations to offer community-based care and out-patient and residential care;

          (8) Mandated second opinions;

          (9) Broaden scope and practice for aides, registered nurses, medical assistants, and hygenists;

          (10) Health care plans with financial incentives to the owner for avoidance of sickness;

          (11) Educational efforts to inform the public about alternatives;

          (12) Tax advantages for prevention programs; and

          (13) Any additional programs to reduce costs and improve health care; and

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee shall consist of the following six members:

          (1) The chairperson of the senate committee on ways and means;

          (2) The chairperson of the house of representatives committee on ways and means;

          (3) The chairperson of the senate committee on human services and corrections;

          (4) The chairperson of the house of representatives committee on social and health services; and

          (5) One member from each of the four caucuses of the legislature; and

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this committee created by this resolution may appoint an advisory committee whose members will represent providers of health care, the insurance industry, and the general public; and

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That all governmental agencies shall supply, at the request of the committee, all information needed by the committee; and

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee report its findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than January 1, 1986, at which time the committee shall cease to exist.