SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5401

                As Passed Senate, March 7, 1995

Title:  An act relating to extending deadlines for studies of medical benefits for injured workers under a consolidated health care system.

Brief Description:  Extending deadlines for studies of medical benefits for injured workers under a consolidated health care system.

Sponsors:  Senators Quigley, Winsley, Moyer and C. Anderson; by request of Department of Labor & Industries.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  1/31/95, 2/1/95 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/7/95, 47-1.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

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

Staff:  Don Sloma (786-7319)

Background:  The Health Services Act of 1993 required that the Health Services Commission, in coordination with the Department of Labor and Industries, study and report on the consolidated delivery of medical services within the workers' compensation program and other health systems envisioned under health reform.  The final report is due in January 1996.

In addition, the 1993 Act authorized the Department of Labor and Industries to conduct pilot projects to test the feasibility of purchasing medical services for the workers' compensation program through managed care, and to report its results by October 1996.

Some of the affected parties feel the report on consolidation would benefit from the results of the pilot projects.

Summary of Bill:  The final due date for the workers' compensation medical aid and health reform consolidation study is moved to January, 1997.  The final due date for the pilot project report is moved to April 1997.  However, an interim report is required in October 1996, and the projects must end on January 1, 1997.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  More time is needed to improve the quality of the studies.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Len Eddinger, WSMA; Paula Baker, Business Assistance Center; Clif Finch, WSB (pro); Carolyn Logue, NFIB (pro); Kit Hawkins, Restaurant Assn. (pro); Gary Smith, Independent Business Assn. (pro).