HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2396

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.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Health Care & Wellness

Title: An act relating to emergency cardiac and stroke care.

Brief Description: Concerning emergency cardiac and stroke care.

Sponsors: Representatives Morrell, Hinkle, Driscoll, Campbell, Cody, Van De Wege, Carlyle, Johnson, Simpson, Hurst, O'Brien, Clibborn, Nelson, Maxwell, Conway, McCoy and Moeller.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 1/14/10, 1/22/10 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Creates a statewide emergency cardiac and stroke care system.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Driscoll, Vice Chair; Campbell, Clibborn, Green, Hinkle, Kelley, Moeller, Morrell and Pedersen.

Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey and Herrera.

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

The Department of Health (DOH) oversees the state emergency medical services and trauma care system along with regional emergency medical services and trauma care councils. The DOH has established minimum standards for level I, II, III, IV, and V trauma care services. A facility wishing to be authorized to provide such services must request an appropriate designation from the DOH. Facilities authorized to provide level I, II, or III trauma care services within an emergency medical services and trauma care planning and service region must establish a quality assurance program to evaluate trauma care delivery, patient care outcomes, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

The Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Steering Committee (Steering Committee) advises the DOH regarding emergency medical services and trauma care needs, reviews regional emergency medical services and trauma care plans, recommends changes to the DOH before it adopts the plans, and reviews and recommends modification to administrative rules for emergency services and trauma care. The Steering Committee is composed of representatives of individuals knowledgeable in emergency medical services and trauma care appointed by the Governor.

In 2006 the Steering Committee created an Emergency Cardiac and Stroke Work Group (Work Group) to evaluate and make recommendations regarding emergency cardiac and stroke care in Washington. In 2008 the Work Group issued a report containing recommendations including the establishment of a statewide comprehensive and coordinated system of cardiac and stroke care that includes prevention and public education, data collection, standards for pre-hospital, hospital, and rehabilitative care, and verification of hospital capabilities.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

The Emergency Cardiac and Stroke Care System.

By January 1, 2011, the DOH must endeavor to enhance and support an emergency cardiac and stroke care system through:

A medical facility that participates in the system:

Reports.

By December 1, 2012, the DOH must share its Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded report concerning emergency cardiac and stroke care with the Legislature.

Quality Assurance Programs.

Regional emergency medical services and trauma care systems quality assurance programs may evaluate emergency cardiac and stroke care delivery. Emergency cardiac and stroke care providers may participate in regional emergency medical services and trauma care quality assurance programs.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill:

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Emergency cardiac and stroke care should be aligned with other emergency services. The time it takes to receive proper treatment for cardiac and stroke patients has a significant effect on outcomes. Patients must get to the proper hospital quickly. Cardiac arrest is treatable, but not enough people are getting the right treatments. The intent of this bill is to implement the recommendations of the Emergency Cardiac and Stroke Work Group and to allow systems that are in place on the local level to be utilized statewide. This bill sets the framework for a statewide program that will improve the manner in which we provide emergency cardiac and stroke care.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Morrell, prime sponsor; Representative Driscoll; Lucy Culp and Graham Nichol, American Heart Association; Steve Romines, Thurston County Medic One and Pre-hospital Technical Advisory Committee; Carlton Heine, Washington Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians; and Vance Lobe.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.