H-3894.3 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL 2482
_______________________________________________
State of Washington 55th Legislature 1998 Regular Session
By Representatives Schoesler, Sump and Dyer
Read first time 01/14/98. Referred to Committee on Health Care.
AN ACT Relating to access to specialty health care services; adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 41.05 RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that because of taxpayers' long-standing support, Washington has developed and maintains excellent publicly funded hospitals that provide exceptional physician training and the most advanced specialty care available. However, since these hospitals are in only one area of the state, which is not centrally located, many citizens, who support these hospitals with their state and federal taxes, are denied timely and appropriate access to needed medical advice. It is the intent of the legislature to ensure that physicians throughout the state have access to the unique consultation services of these hospitals.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 48.43 RCW to read as follows:
(1) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Hospital" means a hospital that is licensed under RCW 70.41.090 and trains physicians and that: (i) Was established pursuant to chapter 36.62 RCW; (ii) is administered by the regents of the University of Washington; or (iii) is providing tertiary health services, as defined in RCW 70.38.025, to children;
(b) "Physician" means a physician licensed under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW.
(2) Every health carrier that offers or provides coverage for hospital services shall permit a physician who is treating a covered person to access timely medical advice and consultation from appropriate hospital staff, consistent with the administrative procedures of the carrier. This section does not establish a standard of medical care nor authorize unnecessary medical services.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 41.05 RCW to read as follows:
(1) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Hospital" means a hospital that is licensed under RCW 70.41.090 and trains physicians and that: (i) Was established pursuant to chapter 36.62 RCW; (ii) is administered by the regents of the University of Washington; or (iii) is providing tertiary health services, as defined in RCW 70.38.025, to children;
(b) "Physician" means a physician licensed under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW.
(2) Every health plan offered pursuant to this chapter or chapter 70.47 RCW shall permit a physician who is treating a covered person to access timely medical advice and consultation from appropriate hospital staff, consistent with the administrative procedures of the authority. This section does not establish a standard of medical care nor authorize unnecessary medical services.
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