Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Appropriations Committee

HB 2528

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

Sponsors:  Representatives Sommers, Chase, Ogden, Haigh and Edwards; by request of Department of Health.

Brief Summary of Bill

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

Hearing Date:  2/5/02

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.