SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1445

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

            Health & Long-Term Care, March 21, 1995

Title:  An act relating to hospital regulation and inspection.

Brief Description:  Streamlining hospital regulation and inspection.

Sponsors:  Representatives Silver, Valle, Sommers, Ogden, Fuhrman and Kremen; by request of Legislative Budget Committee.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  3/21/95 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Quigley, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Deccio, Fairley, Franklin and Moyer.

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

Background:  The Health Services Act of 1993 directed the Legislative Budget Committee to study hospital health and safety regulations in Washington State, focusing on the regulations' cost and effectiveness.  The study focused on eight areas perceived to be problematic, and found that while the regulatory areas reviewed are valuable for protecting the public's health and safety, there are several opportunities for eliminating duplication and streamlining the regulatory process.

Summary of Bill:  Several of the recommendations of the Legislative Budget Committee are enacted including:  setting minimum rules and standards for hospitals that are consistent with the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHCO); coordinating inspections between the Department of Social and Health Services and the Department of Health to avoid duplication; and studying alternative strategies for achieving greater efficiency in the hospital building and design review process. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  This measure is a good move toward streamlining hospital regulation and maintaining safety.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Silver, prime sponsor (pro).