SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5186

                    As of January 27, 1997

Title:  An act relating to the dissemination of medical information for use in emergency situations.

Brief Description:  Authorizing the collection, retention, and dissemination of medical information in emergency situations.

Sponsors:  Senators Goings, Roach, Haugen, Johnson, Winsley and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  1/30/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Martin Lovinger (786-7443)

Background: Under current law, sexually transmitted diseases are recognized to Ainvolve sensitive issues of privacy,@ and the Legislature has expressed its intent Athat all programs designed to deal with these diseases afford patients privacy, confidentiality, and dignity.@  The Legislature has also expressed its intent Ato provide a program that is sufficiently flexible to meet emerging needs, deals efficiently and effectively with reducing the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, and provides patients with a secure knowledge that information they provide will remain private and confidential.@

It is felt that under strict rules the collection, retention, and dissemination by law enforcement and fire departments of medical information pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases, which has been voluntarily provided by the person needing emergency treatment, can be of assistance to emergency personnel and health care providers treating the person.  It is felt that this assistance can be provided without lessening the quality of care provided, while protecting the privacy interests of the person receiving the care.

Summary of Bill:  Law enforcement and fire departments may collect, retain, and disseminate medical information in accordance with rules adopted by the Department of Labor and Industries, if the information is voluntarily provided by the person having the emergency.

The information may be broadcast as part of a service call to alert the persons responding to the call that the person at the scene may have a medical condition, but must not identify the person or the nature of the medical records.

Knowledge that an emergency call involves a person with a communicable disease should not change the level of care provided.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 22, 1997.

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