HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5099

 

 

 

As Reported by House Committee On:  

Health Care

 

Title:  An act relating to the designation of licensed dental directors by carriers offering dental only coverage.

 

Brief Description:  Designating medical directors.

 

Sponsors:  By Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Winsley and Thibaudeau).

 

Brief History: 

Committee Activity: 

Health Care:  3/20/01, 3/23/01 [DP].

 

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

 

$Health carriers that offer dental only coverage must designate a licensed dentist as dental director.

 

 

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

 

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Campbell, Republican Co‑Chair; Cody, Democratic Co‑Chair; Schual‑Berke, Democratic Vice Chair; Skinner, Republican Vice Chair; Alexander, Ballasiotes, Darneille, Edmonds, Edwards, Marine, McMorris, Pennington and Ruderman.

 

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786‑7146).

 

Background:

 

The Patient Bill of Rights requires health carriers to designate a medical director licensed to practice in this state.  Health carriers that offer dental only coverage to the public are not required to have a medical director licensed as a dentist in Washington.

 

 

Summary of  Bill: 

 

Health carriers that offer dental only coverage must designate a dental director who is licensed as a dentist in Washington

 

 

Appropriation:  None.

 

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

 

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

 

Testimony For:  Medical directors for health carriers that offer dental only coverage should be licensed dentists.  This will protect consumers.

 

Testimony Against:  None.

 

Testified:  Senator Winsley, prime sponsor.