SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6159

     AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES,

                        JANUARY 25, 1994

Brief Description:  Modifying the health professional temporary resource pool.

SPONSORS: Senators Talmadge, Moyer and McAuliffe; by request of Department of Health

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Wojahn, Vice Chairman; Deccio, Erwin, Franklin, Hargrove, McAuliffe, Moyer, Niemi, Prentice and Winsley.

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786‑7198)

Hearing Dates: January 25, 1994

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Health's Office of Community and Rural Development is charged with making sure there is an adequate supply of primary care services in rural areas of the state. Part of this responsibility includes managing temporary care providers when the permanent practitioners leave for short periods of time.

The department has relied on the services of area health education centers to supply them with available practitioners and help facilitate these interim positions.  However,  present statutory language doesn't explicitly say the department can contract out for this local expertise.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Health Office of Community and Rural Development is authorized to make use of expertise available in outlying areas of the state to provide temporary primary care practitioners in rural areas.  This reflects current practice.

It is explicitly stated that the facility hiring the temporary practitioner pays that interim provider's salary.  The facility will be reimbursed by the Department of Health for any malpractice costs that are required for the temporary employee beyond what the facility presently carries.

The Department of Health will reimburse health care facilities who use temporary practitioners for the cost of their travel and lodging.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

This will help facilitate providing temporary primary care practitioners in rural areas.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Kristina Sparks, Department of Health (pro)