SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SCR 8426

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

           Health & Long-Term Care, February 6, 1998

Brief Description:  Creating a joint select committee on end‑of‑life issues.

Sponsors:  Senators Wood, Thibaudeau, Deccio, Wojahn, Winsley and Kohl.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  2/6/98 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Deccio, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Benton, Franklin, Strannigan and Wojahn.

Staff:  Joanne Conrad (786-7472)

Background:  Issues regarding death and dying have received increasing public attention during the past few years.  Patients and their families, the medical and legal communities and legislators have focused on how to provide compassionate and appropriate care for those at the end of life. 

Summary of Bill:  A legislative Joint Select Committee on End of Life Issues is established, consisting of four Senators and four Representatives.  The goals of the committee are to consult with appropriate groups regarding improvement of education and training regarding end of life care; to evaluate how to facilitate public outreach regarding end of life information; and to research the possibility of establishing a teaching and resource center in pediatric palliative care.  The committee reports to the Legislature by December 1998.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  The Joint Select Committee will enable work on these issues to go forward.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Gail McGaffick, WA State Hospice Association; Jackie Der, UW Medical School.