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

HCR 4406

Brief Description:  Establishing a blue ribbon commission on medical care cost and access.

Sponsors:  Representatives Schual‑Berke, Campbell, Pennington, G. Chandler, DeBolt, Mulliken, Grant, McMorris, Edwards, McIntire, Cody, Morris, D. Schmidt, Poulsen, Doumit, H. Sommers, Darneille, Barlean, Cox, Kagi, Tokuda, Linville, Ogden, Edmonds, Wood, Santos, Kessler, Simpson and Kenney.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Creates a blue ribbon commission on medical care cost and access.

Hearing Date:  2/20/01

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786‑7146).

Background: 

The health care system is experiencing several challenges.  Rapidly increasing health care costs and related efforts to control costs are impacting consumers, the medical care work force, and the financial viability of medical facilities.

Summary of Bill: 

A blue ribbon commission on medical care cost and access is created.  The commission will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the medical care financing and delivery system.  The assessment will include medical work force issues, the financial viability of medical care facilities, and the role of the public and private sector in providing access to appropriate, cost-effective, and quality medical care.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.