Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Public Safety Committee

HB 2545

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: Making jail records available to managed health care systems.

Sponsors: Representatives Davis, Klippert, Goodman, Robinson, Macri, Griffey, Cody, Sutherland, Graham, Pellicciotti, Leavitt and Ormsby.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes managed health care systems to access jail records to determine eligibility for certain services and to allow for the provision of treatment to inmates during confinement or after release.

Hearing Date: 1/27/20

Staff: Omeara Harrington (786-7136).

Background:

Jail Records.

The records of a person confined in jail are generally held in confidence. However, records may be released to criminal justice agencies, in jail inspections or jail certification proceedings, in court proceedings upon written order of the court, to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, to named agencies for the purpose of research in the public interest, or with the permission of the person.

In addition, jail records may be released to government agencies to determine eligibility for services, including medical, mental health, chemical dependency treatment, and veterans' services. Records may also be released to government agencies to allow for the provision of treatment to inmates during their confinement or after release. Government agencies that receive jail records must treat the records as confidential. Jails that provide inmate records under appropriate authority are not responsible for unlawful secondary disclosures of the records.

Managed Care.

The Health Care Authority provides medical care services to eligible low-income state residents and their families, primarily through the Medicaid program.  Coverage for medical services is primarily provided through managed care systems.  Managed care is a prepaid, comprehensive system for delivering a complete medical benefits package that is available for eligible families, children under age 19, low-income adults, certain disabled individuals, and pregnant women.  Since January 1, 2020, all behavioral health services and medical care services have been fully integrated in a managed care health system for most Medicaid clients.

Summary of Bill:

Managed health care systems are added to the entities that may access jail records to determine eligibility for certain services and to allow for the provision of treatment to inmates during their confinement or after release.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 24, 2020.

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