S-4766.2  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6754

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      54th Legislature     1996 Regular Session

By Senator Quigley

Read first time 02/01/96.  Referred to Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care.

Studying the potential impact on rural hospitals of changing the certificate of need program.

    AN ACT Relating to studying the impact on rural hospitals of changing the certificate of need program; creating a new section; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The department of health shall, by December 1, 1996, provide recommendations to the legislature on the potential impact of changing the certificate of need program.  The department shall assess the potential impact on rural hospitals, home health care facilities, hospices, and nursing homes if changes are made to the certificate of need program.  The report shall include recommendations for the kind of system that should be maintained by the state to ensure quality and access of health care services to vulnerable and rural populations.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  The sum of thirty-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1997, from the general fund to the department of health for the purposes of this act.

                            --- END ---