Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Health Care Committee

HB 2635

Brief Description:  Requiring the development of consolidated purchasing and administration of health care services.

Sponsors:  Representatives Cody, Campbell, Schual‑Berke, Conway, Dickerson, Berkey, Edwards, Chase, McIntire, Ogden, Jackley, Kenney and Kagi; by request of Governor Locke.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Directs the administrator of the Health Care Authority, in concert with other state agencies involved in state purchased health care, to begin implementing consolidated health care purchasing and administration by January 1, 2003.

Hearing Date:  1/29/02

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786‑7146).

Background:

The State of Washington purchases or provides health care services through several state agencies.  There are opportunities to maximize the purchasing power of the state through consolidated health care purchasing and organizing the state=s health care programs and services more efficiently.

Summary of Bill:

The administrator of the Health Care Authority, in concert with other state agencies involved in state purchased health care, will begin implementing consolidated health care purchasing and administration by January 1, 2003.  The administrator is given broad authority to implement consolidated health care services purchasing and administration.  Strategies to encourage school districts, other political subdivisions, and the private sector to participate in consolidated health care purchasing will be pursued.  The administrator will submit reports to the Legislature on the implementation of consolidated health care purchasing and administration, and on the feasibility of requiring all school districts and educational service districts to participate in consolidated health care purchasing activities.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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