HB 2331-S2.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/14/00)

     Declares an intent that patients covered by health plans receive quality health care designed to maintain and improve their health.  The purpose of this act is to ensure that health plan patients:  (1) Have improved access to information regarding their health plans;

     (2) have sufficient and timely access to appropriate health care services, and choice among health care providers;

     (3) are assured that health care decisions are made by appropriate medical personnel;

     (4) have access to a quick and impartial process for appealing plan decisions;

     (5) are protected from unnecessary invasions of health care privacy; and

     (6) are assured that personal health care information will be used only as necessary to obtain and pay for health care or to improve the quality of care.

     Repeals RCW 48.43.075 and 48.43.095.