SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5099
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Health & Long‑Term Care, February 14, 2001
Title: An act relating to the designation of licensed medical directors by carriers offering dental only coverage.
Brief Description: Designating medical directors.
Sponsors: Senators Winsley and Thibaudeau.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long‑Term Care: 1/24/01, 2/14/01 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5099 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Thibaudeau, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Costa, Deccio, Fraser, Parlette and Winsley.
Staff: Jonathan Seib (786‑7427)
Background: The term ?utilization review@ is often used to describe a range of managed care cost containment strategies including monitoring a provider=s pattern of treatment, determining the medical necessity of certain types or levels of treatment, and evaluating the efficacy, appropriateness or efficiency of certain treatments for certain health conditions. These efforts are typically overseen by the ?medical director@ of the given managed care entity. Concerns regarding the qualifications and accountability of medical directors have increased as managed care financing arrangements have come to dominate health insurance.
The Patient Bill of Rights, passed by the Legislature in 2000, requires Washington carriers that offer a health plan to designate a medical director who is licensed to practice in this state. This requirement, however, does not apply to plans that cover only dental care.
Summary of Substitute Bill: A health carrier that offers dental only coverage must designate a dental director who is licensed as a dentist in Washington.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: In the substitute bill, the term "medical director" is replaced with the term "dental director."
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: None.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: No one.