SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5010

           AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, MARCH 11, 1991

Brief Description:  Including occupational therapy coverage in the department of social and health services limited casualty program.

SPONSORS:Senators Moore, West and Conner.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

     Signed by Senators West, Chairman; Amondson, Johnson, Kreidler, L., and Wojahn. 

Staff:  Scott Plack (786‑7409)

Hearing Dates:January 30, 1991, January 31, 1991

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5010 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Gaspard, Hayner, Johnson, L. Kreidler, Metcalf, Murray, Newhouse, Niemi, Rinehart, Saling, L. Smith, Talmadge, West, Williams, and Wojahn. 

Staff:  Karen Hayes (786-7715)

Hearing Dates:March 7, 1991; March 11, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Occupational therapists are licensed under Chapter 18.59 RCW.  They provide rehabilitative services to individuals suffering physical injury or illness, psychosocial dysfunction, and developmental or learning disabilities.  Currently, the state medical assistance program reimburses for occupational services provided to adults on an inpatient basis or by a home health agency.  Occupational therapy services are provided to Medicaid eligible children through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program (EPSDT).  The medical director of the Department of Social and Health Services may also authorize reimbursement for outpatient occupational therapy services deemed medically necessary.  Other outpatient occupational therapy services are not reimbursed.

SUMMARY:

Reimbursement for outpatient occupational therapy services to eligible categorically and medically needy adults not currently receiving such services is authorized under the medical assistance program.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The act is contingent up funding in the Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

The bill will allow for cost efficient outpatient occupational therapy services for Medicaid patients.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

The funding necessary to implement the bill is not in the  Governor's budget.

TESTIFIED (Health & Long-Term Care):  Jeff Graham, DSHS (con); Melinda Glass, Washington O.T. Association (pro); Carolyn Kus, Washington O.T. Association (pro); Nancy Worsham (pro)

TESTIFIED (Ways & Means):  PRO:  Karen Jones, Washington Occupational Therapy Association; Rege Campbell, Washington Occupational Therapy Association; Margaret Swazey, Northwest Association of Rehabilitation Facilities