HB 1329 - DIGEST

     Creates the office of health care commissioner and designates the powers and duties of the commissioner.

     Transfers powers and duties from other state agencies to the commissioner's office.

     Provides for the appointment of advisory committees.

     Funds the creation and maintenance of the data base and studies provided for in RCW 70.170.100 and 70.170.110 from a surcharge levied on the data acquired and fees paid by users of the information.

     Provides for the implementation of health care service plans to be registered with the commissioner.

     Establishes procedures for the revocation of a registration.

     Prescribes procedures in the event of financial failure of a service plan.

     Requires provider contracts to be filed with the commissioner.

     Provides a B & O tax to fund the commissioner's regulation of service plans.

     Provides for universal access to health care.

     Establishes practitioner disclosure requirements and specifies facility privileges.

     Creates the Washington state health care access account to be funded by taxes on alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and services.

     Establishes cost containment requirements and procedures.

     Limits practitioner self-referrals.

     Establishes requirements for the provision of health care by labor and industries.

     Requires a study of the coordination of benefits to relieve the obligation of copayments.

     Provides for liability reform.

     Limits contingent attorney fees.

     Provides for mandatory mediation of health care disputes.

     Repeals provisions regulating disability insurance, group and blanket disability insurance, the health insurance coverage access act, health care services, health maintenance organizations, rural health care, health planning and development, health data and charity care, and provisions regarding health care personnel in Title 18 RCW.