HB 1985-S2 - DIGEST
(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/10/2009)

Declares an intent to help provide local health jurisdictions with a more stable dedicated funding system.

Declares that local health jurisdictions receiving state funds be held accountable for the use of those funds based on the minimum standards of public health protection in the state's public health improvement plan.

Requires every local health jurisdiction in the state to: (1) Substantially comply with the minimum standards for public health protection established under RCW 43.70.520 as a precondition to receiving certain state funding; and

(2) Submit a report to the department of health indicating whether the jurisdiction is in compliance with each of the minimum standards for public health protection.

Requires the secretary of the department of health to: (1) Establish a review process for determining whether a local health jurisdiction is in substantial compliance with the minimum standards for public health protection; and

(2) Notify the local health jurisdiction in writing if the secretary finds that the local health jurisdiction is not in substantial compliance with the minimum standards for public health protection.

Authorizes the secretary of the department of health to exempt a local health jurisdiction from the review process if the jurisdiction is accredited by an organization whose accreditation standards meet or exceed the minimum standards for public health protection.