Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1686
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: Concerning hospital access to care policies.
Sponsors: Representatives Macri, Cody, Robinson, Riccelli, Slatter, Jinkins and Pollet.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/12/19
Staff: Kim Weidenaar (786-7120).
Background:
Governor Inslee's Directive 13-12 directed the Department of Health (DOH) to adopt rules improving transparency for consumer information, by requiring hospitals supply non-discrimination, end of life care, and reproductive health care policies, which consumers must have access to on the DOH's webpage. Department of Health rules require every hospital to submit to the DOH its policies related to access to care regarding:
admission;
nondiscrimination;
end of life care; and
reproductive health care.
These policies must be posted on the hospitals and the DOH's websites. If a hospital makes changes or additions to any of the policies, it must submit a copy of the new policy to the DOH within thirty days after the hospital approves the changes or additions.
Summary of Bill:
By September 1, 2019, every hospital must submit to the Department of Health (DOH) its policies related to access to care regarding:
admission;
nondiscrimination;
end of life care; and
reproductive health care.
Submitted policies must be posted on the DOH website and the hospital's website. If a hospital makes any changes to the policies, it must submit an updated copy to the DOH within 30 days of the change.
By September 1, 2019, the DOH must review submitted policies and develop a form to be used by hospitals to submit the access to care polices. The form must provide the public with specific information about what services are and are not performed at each hospital.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 5, 2019.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.