SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6163
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 Passed Senate, February 8, 2018
Title: An act relating to extending the duration of the collaborative for the advancement of telemedicine.
Brief Description: Extending the duration of the collaborative for the advancement of telemedicine.
Sponsors: Senators Becker, Cleveland, Fain, Bailey, Brown, Wilson, Short, Conway, Keiser and Kuderer.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 1/29/18, 2/01/18 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed Senate: 2/08/18, 47-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Cleveland, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; Rivers, Ranking Member; Bailey, Becker, Conway, Fain, Keiser, Mullet and Van De Wege.
Staff: LeighBeth Merrick (786-7445)
Background: In July 2016, the Collaborative was established to enhance the understanding and use of health services provided through telemedicine and other similar models in Washington State. The Collaborative is hosted by the University of Washington Telehealth Services and is comprised of one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and representatives from the academic community, hospitals, clinics, and health care providers in primary care and specialty practices, carriers, and other interested parties. The board meetings must be public and meeting summaries must be available on a webpage.
The Collaborative is required to submit policy reports on December 1, 2016, December 1, 2017, and December 1, 2018. The Collaborative terminates December 31, 2018.
Summary of Bill: The Collaborative terminates December 31, 2021.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Collaborative is of interest to people across sectors, a lot of learning and progress has been made, and there is still more work to tackle. For people with developmental disabilities, telemedicine has the potential to be a great resource since transportation is often be a barrier to accessing health care.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Randi Becker, Prime Sponsor; Lisa Thatcher, Washington State Hospital Association; John Scott, Director of Telehealth Services, UW Medicine; Diana Stadden, The Arc of Washington.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.