HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2313

                       As Passed House

                      February 13, 1992

Title:  An act relating to the mental health information system.

Brief Description:  Revising requirements for the mental health information system.

Sponsor(s):  By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Moyer and Braddock; by request of Dept. of Social and Health Services).

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Health Care, February 5, 1992, DP;

Passed House, February 13, 1992, 96-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

HEALTH CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Braddock, Chair; Day, Vice Chair; Moyer, Ranking Minority Member; Casada, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cantwell; Edmondson; Franklin; Morris; Paris; Prentice; and Sprenkle.

Staff:  Bill Hagens (786-7131).

Background:  The 1989 Mental Health Reform Act (SB 5400) required the development and implementation of a mental health information system at two levels: a central core data system, which is the responsibility of Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and regional support network (RSN) information systems, which are the responsibility of counties.  Current law [RCW 71.24.035(5)(g)] requires both levels to be in operation by January 1, 1993.  DSHS has determined that the central core data system will be on line by that date, but the RSN systems will require an additional six months to be ready.  In an effort to remain statutorily faithful and to clarify local responsibility, DSHS is seeking to amend the deadline.

Summary of Bill:  Current law is amended to maintain the  central system dateline of January 1, 1993, but delaying the RSN deadline to June 30, 1993.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  More time is needed to ensure that an adequate regional support network information system is established.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Jean Wessman, Association of Washington Counties (pro); and Sharon Stewart-Johnson, Department of Social and Health Services (pro).