HOUSE BILL REPORT

                      HB 1400

                           As Passed Legislature

Title:  An act relating to rural health.

Brief Description:  Modifying grant criteria for rural health care projects.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Morton, Grant, Fuhrman, Bray, Sprenkle, Morris, Chandler, Paris, Rasmussen, McLean, Forner and Rayburn; by request of the Department of Health.

Brief History:

   Reported by House Committee on:

Health Care, January 30, 1991, DP.

Passed House February 11, 1991, 95-0;

Amended by Senate;

House refused to concur;

Senate receded;

Passed Legislature.

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:  Current law sets the limit on the number of rural health projects that can be funded at six.  In 1990, the Department of Health (DOH) received applications for 18 potentially fundable projects.  Even if funds were available, the department would be unable to provide assistance unless the number limit was removed.  Also, current law provides for six additional "non-funded" sites to receive technical assistance from the DOH.  DOH feels these numbers are arbitrary and may discourage communities from applying for available assistance.

Summary of Bill:  The number six is deleted from both provisions, allowing any number of projects to be funded consistent with appropriation.

Fiscal Note:  Requested January 21, 1991.

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

Testimony For:  This bill is needed to expand necessary health care in underserved rural areas.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Carole Washburn, Department of Health (Pro).