SENATE BILL REPORT

                  ESB 5250

               As Passed Senate, March 11, 1999

Title:  An act relating to implementing programs that address women's health needs.

Brief Description:  Permitting the secretary of health to implement programs regarding women's health.

Sponsors:  Senators Wojahn, Sellar, Jacobsen, Thibaudeau, Deccio, Winsley, McDonald, Kohl‑Welles, Rasmussen, Spanel, Fraser, Oke, Gardner, Hale and Costa.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  1/27/99, 2/22/99 [DPA].

Passed Senate, 3/11/99, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Thibaudeau, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Deccio, Costa, Franklin, Johnson and Winsley.

Staff:  Christopher Blake (786-7446)

Background:  Concern exists that health issues specifically affecting women do not receive adequate attention from medical research.  In Washington State, the Department of Health has established the Women=s Health Resource Network (WHRN) as a cross-program workgroup to provide a focal point for women=s health issues.  The WHRN serves as a forum for incorporating women=s health needs into the Division of Community and Family Health=s existing programs.  While the department can accept funds from the state to carry out these programs, there is no specific authority for the department to receive money from the federal government or private organizations.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Health has the authority to solicit and receive funds from available sources in order to design and implement programs relating to women=s health issues.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 19, 1999.

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

Testimony For:  This is a way to eliminate barriers to creating private-public partnerships regarding health issues.  This bill will allow the Department of Health to seek funds from a wider range of sources.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Wojahn, prime sponsor; Ann Simons, The Sun Mountain Group (pro); Dr. Maxine Hayes, Department of Health (information).