H-4248.1 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL 3005
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State of Washington 56th Legislature 2000 Regular Session
By Representatives Grant, Mastin, Keiser and Santos
Read first time 01/25/2000. Referred to Committee on Health Care.
AN ACT Relating to revising the methodology applied to certificates of need for rural coronary health centers; creating new sections; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Washington state, accounting for approximately forty-two percent of all deaths. The legislature also finds that many of these deaths can be prevented or delayed by reducing risk factors and improving access to services. Some rural areas, such as Walla Walla county, have a disproportionately high average annual rate for heart disease while lacking access to available life-saving medical resources. The legislature further finds that access to quality coronary tertiary health care services must be assured, especially for rural communities.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) The department of health shall revise the methodology applied to certificate of need applications for the tertiary health services of open heart surgery, therapeutic cardiac catheterization, and percutaneous translumenal coronary angioplasty.
(2) The revision shall be a detailed and complete new methodology, which the department shall promptly adopt into rule, replacing the existing methodology.
(3) The process used to develop the new methodology shall involve a cross-section of Washington's cardiac surgery programs, cardiac surgeons not directly affiliated with existing hospital programs, and representatives of medical education. The department shall assure administrative and technical requirements of the certificate of need program are met.
(4) The department shall provide a report to the health committees of the legislature on the development of a new methodology by July 1, 2000, and provide to the health committees of the legislature a copy of the new rules upon adoption.
(5) This section expires December 31, 2000.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.
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