Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Commerce & Labor Committee

HB 2499

Brief Description:  Regulating sanitation and infection control in health studios.

Sponsors:  Representatives Hunt, Romero, Schual‑Berke, Morell, Anderson and Kenney.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Requires the Secretary of the Department of Health to adopt rules for sanitation and infection control in health studios.

Hearing Date:  2/4/02

Staff:  Sydney Forrester (786‑7120).

Background:

The Board of Health has rule‑making authority for a wide variety of public health and safety concerns.  Local health jurisdictions, through their environmental health officers, are responsible for enforcing the board's rules.

The board regulates water recreation facilities for the purpose of controlling communicable disease.  Water recreation facilities include swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, and showers.  Rules are developed based on scientific evidence about the spread and control of disease.  Saunas and steam rooms are not regulated.

The Department of Licensing, Business and Professions Division regulates health studio services.  That statute governs the content of contracts for health studio services and makes the consumer protection act applicable for violations.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Health is required to consult with health studio trade associations and to adopt rules for infection control in health studios whose services include a swimming pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna, or shower facility.  Health studios are required to comply with the sanitation and infection control rules adopted by the department.  Failure to do so is a misdemeanor.

Rules Authority:  The Department of Health is granted rule‑making authority for sanitation and infection control in health studios.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 4, 2002.

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