FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5445

                         PARTIAL VETO

                          C 275 L 97

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Making technical corrections to statutes administered by the department of health.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Deccio, Wojahn, Wood, Fairley and Winsley).

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

House Committee on Health Care

Background:  In 1994, an incorrect reference to the law regulating nursing assistants was made in the Uniform Disciplinary Act.  In 1995, through the passage of two separate bills, a section of law regarding protection of emergency medical service providers from liability was amended twice.  In 1996, double amendments were made to several sections of law pertaining to regulation of speech pathologists, audiologists and hearing instrument fitter/dispensers.

These technical errors require correction.

Summary:  Two sections of law dealing with liability protection for emergency medical service personnel are combined.  The double amendments are eliminated and the other errors mentioned above are corrected, including language specifically stating when hearing aid permits expire.

A final report on nurse delegation is due on December 31, 1998, adding one year to the length of the study.  Nursing assistants may choose not to receive delegation based on patient safety issues.

The Department of Social and Health Services is prohibited from imposing civil fines authorized under nursing assistant statutes on adult family homes.

Higher compensation is authorized for members of health care commissions having quasi-judicial functions with responsibilities for policy direction in health professional credentialing programs, and performing regulatory and licensing functions.  Members of these commissions may receive compensation of up to $250 per day for each day spent performing authorized duties.

The Department of Health is directed to study the feasibility of changing the comprehensive hospital abstract reporting system to include ambulatory and outpatient data.  The department must submit a final report on July 1, 1998.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 49 0

House     96 0 (House amended)

Senate    43 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 27, 1997

Partial Veto Summary:  The Governor vetoed language that would have suspended the ability of the Department of Social and Health Services to levy fines on adult family homes for improper delegation of nursing tasks until July 1, 1997.

Language permitting a new Aclass five@ category of health care boards and commissions eligible for compensation up to $250 per day was also vetoed.