SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6088

             AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE,

                                FEBRUARY 3, 1992

Brief Description:  Prohibiting nursing homes from discrimination against patients based on source of payment.

SPONSORS: Senator Sellar

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

      Signed by Senators West, Chairman; L. Smith, Vice Chairman; Amondson, M. Kreidler, Niemi, and Wojahn.

Staff:  Martin Lovinger (786‑7443)

Hearing Dates: January 30, 1992; February 3, 1992

BACKGROUND:

In 1987 the Legislature passed a law prohibiting nursing homes or providers of nursing care services from discriminating against Medicaid recipients.  It is felt that the law would be improved if clarified to prohibit any discrimination by providers of nursing care services based on the source of payment for such services.

SUMMARY:

Any discrimination by a provider of nursing care services against anyone based upon the source of payment for those services is prohibited.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:  None

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

There is no problem.  One incident involving one person has come up and that can be resolved without this legislation.  This bill makes the industry look as though it is failing to address a major problem.

TESTIFIED:  Scott Sigman, WA Health Care Assn.