HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6584

As Reported by House Committee On:

Appropriations

Title:  An act relating to syphilis laboratory tests.

Brief Description:  Authorizing the department of health to establish a fee for syphilis laboratory tests.

Sponsors:  Senators Thibaudeau and Deccio; by request of Department of Health.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Appropriations:  2/27/02, 3/2/02 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

$Authorizes the Department of Health to establish a fee for syphilis laboratory tests.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 23 members: Representatives Sommers, Chair; Doumit, 1st Vice Chair; Fromhold, 2nd Vice Chair; Sehlin, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Boldt, Buck, Clements, Cody, Cox, Dunshee, Grant, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Linville, McIntire, Pearson, Pflug, Ruderman, Schual‑Berke, Talcott and Tokuda.

Minority Report:  Without recommendation. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Lisk and Mastin.

Staff:  Amy Hanson (786‑7118).

Background:

State law provides that a standard serological test for syphilis be performed by: 1) a laboratory approved by the Secretary of Health; or 2) by the Department of Health.  The test, at the request of a physician, is provided free of charge.  Screening for syphilis is mandatory as part of prenatal exams.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Health is authorized to charge a fee for syphilis laboratory tests.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  None.