FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5777

                          C 130 L 99

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Addressing payment for denturist services.

Sponsors:  Senators Prentice and Winsley.

Senate Committee on Commerce, Trade, Housing & Financial Institutions

House Committee on Health Care

Background:  Currently, in payment for certain health care services provided by a nonparticipating provider, a health care service contractor is required to make checks payable jointly to the provider and the enrolled participant unless the participant provides evidence of prepayment. This requirement applies to the following health care service providers: chiropractors, dental hygienists, dentists, optometrists, osteopaths, pharmacists, physicians, emergency care providers, physical therapists, psychologists, and certain nurses and nurse practitioners.  Denturists are not included.

Summary:  In payment of services provided by a nonparticipating provider denturist, a health care service contractor must make checks payable jointly to the denturist and the enrolled participant, unless the participant provides evidence of prepayment.  However, the health care service contractor may still issue payment in the name of the denturist only.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 44 0

House     95 0

Effective:  July 25, 1999