HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2158

BYRepresentatives Rasmussen, Schoon, H. Sommers, Locke, P. King, Wineberry, Winsley, Ferguson, Heavey, Fraser and Vekich

Including comprehensive cancer center in the definition of a health care facility.

House Committe on Health Care

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (8)

      Signed by Representatives Day, Vice Chair; Brooks, Ranking Republican Member; Cantwell, Chandler, Morris, Sprenkle, Vekich and Wolfe.

House Staff:Bill Hagens (786-7131)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 14, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Washington Health Care Facilities Authority was created in 1974 to assist in the building of health care facilities through the issuance of tax exempt bonds. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC) plans to build a new facility in the Lake Union area in Seattle. To obtain the construction funds, the FHCRC plans to issue tax exempt bonds through the authority.  A major function of the new facility will involve basic science research.  There is a question as to whether or not such functions fall within the definition of "health care facility" in the authority's enacting act (RCW 70.37.020(3)).

SUMMARY:

To permit the FHCRC to receive tax exempt bonding authorization for all of the new facility, language is added to the definition of "health care authority" to include "research and support activities."

Fiscal Note:      Requested February 22, 1989.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Mike Ryherd, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research; Randy Main, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research; Bruce Johnson, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research and Therese Wareham, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This language is necessary to insure that the new facility is constructed in a cost effective manner.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.