S-4054.1
SENATE BILL 6495
State of Washington
65th Legislature
2018 Regular Session
By Senators Becker and Cleveland
AN ACT Relating to expanding the extension for community healthcare outcomes program; adding a new section to chapter 28B.20 RCW; creating a new section; and making an appropriation.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  It is the intent of the legislature to expand the extension for community healthcare outcomes program (project ECHO) throughout the region. The legislature further intends for the funding to be ongoing to sustain project ECHO and connect medical specialists in several specialties with primary care providers across the region using technology and case consultation.
NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 28B.20 RCW to read as follows:
The University of Washington medical school extension for community healthcare outcomes program shall report to the health care and fiscal committees of the legislature by January 1, 2019, and annually thereafter on the program's activities. The reports must include a summary of:
(1) The number of primary care physicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners, registered nurses, physician assistants, and other health care professionals who received training and consultation services through the program during the preceding year in the specialties of:
(a) Mental health care;
(b) Diabetes treatment;
(c) Telestroke care; and
(d) Chronic pain management, including opioid disorder treatment; and
(2) The number of continuing education hours that each profession could potentially accrue if continuing education credits are awarded for participation in the program.
NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3.  The sum of two million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, from the general fund to the University of Washington for the purposes of expanding the extension for community healthcare outcomes program.
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