HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESSB 6124

As Amended by the House

BYSenate Committee on Health Care & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Deccio, Johnson and Smith)

Providing technical and financial assistance to assist in the delivery of rural health care systems.

House Committe on Health Care

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Braddock, Chair; Day, Vice Chair; Bristow, Brooks, Bumgarner, Cantwell, Lewis, Lux, D. Sommers, Sprenkle and Vekich.

House Staff:Bill Hagens (786-7131)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 3, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Demographic, economic, and financial changes occurring within the health care industry and within rural communities greatly affect the viability of all rural health care providers.  These health care providers ensure access to and the availability of preventative, primary, maintenance and emergency care services to residents and tourists in rural areas.

The problems faced by rural health care providers include erratic fluctuations or general decline in rural economies, the aging rural population, older physical plants, and the lack of health care professionals.

Rural communities need to consider restructuring the delivery of health care services to meet the changing demand and to insure the continued availability and accessibility of appropriate community-based care.  Government regulations and standards, and lack of financing for rural health care facilities are inhibiting the development of innovative and cost effective ways to deliver health care services in rural areas.

Three areas of state assistance are needed to help rural communities respond to these changes.  These are technical assistance, easing regulatory restrictions and enhancing the ability of rural communities to match services with health care needs.  In addition, better coordination among regional and local health service authorities can ensure that needed health care services in rural areas are identified and met cost efficiently.

SUMMARY:

The Washington Rural Health Commission is created to develop legislative recommendations on current rural health issues.  Legislative and public members are designated.  Legislative members include the Chairs and ranking minority members of the Senate and House Health Care Committees.

The Commission is directed to review existing statutes and regulations governing operation of health facilities, examine models of rural health delivery developed in other states to identify innovative approaches, and establish proposed standards for an alternative rural health facility licensure model.

A report with the Commission recommendations is to be submitted to the Legislature by December 1, 1988. The Commission expires on December 31, 1988.

DSHS is directed to develop information on Medicare facility options eligible for reimbursement, including requirements and procedures for acquiring certification.

The agencies affected by the proposal are expected to use existing staff and reserves to carry out its provisions.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Alex Deccio, Sponsor; Jean Roberts, Mark Reed Hospital; Joyce Ann Wiano, Washington State Hospital Association; Dr. John Anderson, Washington State Rural Health Task Force; Dan Rubin, DSHS.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    There are serious problems with rural health.  These need to be addressed by a commission.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.