Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 2229

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.

Brief Description: Regarding reporting compensation of certain hospital employees.

Sponsors: Representatives Jinkins, Hasegawa, Darneille, Wylie, Cody and Roberts.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires nonprofit and public hospital district hospitals to report the compensation paid to their chief executive officer and the 10 highest paid hospital employees who do not have any direct patient care responsibilities.

Hearing Date: 1/12/12

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

The Department of Health licenses 97 hospitals in Washington. Of these, 87 are either nonprofit hospitals or public hospital district hospitals.

Among the reporting requirements for hospitals, they must submit financial and discharge data to the Department of Health on a quarterly and annual basis. Each quarter, hospitals must submit a summary utilization and financial report. Each year, hospitals must submit its annual budget at least 30 days before the beginning of its fiscal year and file a year-end report within 120 days of the close of its fiscal year.

Summary of Bill:

Nonprofit and public hospital district hospitals must annually report certain employee compensation information to the Department of Health. The report must identify the total compensation for the prior calendar year and the employee responsibilities for the hospital's chief executive officer and the 10 highest paid hospital employees who do not have any direct patient care responsibilities. The term "compensation" relates to all forms of payment, including salary and wages, retirement plan contributions, savings account contributions, deferred compensation arrangements, expense reimbursements, incentive payments, and other benefits of value.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 6, 2012.

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