H-2578.1  _______________________________________________

                          HOUSE BILL 2248

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      57th Legislature     2001 Regular Session

By Representatives Bush, DeBolt, Kenney, Keiser, Lambert and Rockefeller

Read first time .  Referred to Committee on .

Prohibiting health insurers from using social security numbers as identification numbers.

    AN ACT Relating to prohibiting health carriers from using social security numbers as personal identification numbers; adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that if social security numbers are accessible to the public, it will be relatively easy for someone to use another's social security number fraudulently to assume that person's identity and gain access to bank accounts, credit services, billing information, driving history, and other sources of personal information.  The legislature intends to limit the collection and availability of social security numbers to protect the public.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 48.43 RCW to read as follows:

    After January 1, 2003, no carrier may use social security numbers from individuals as a personal identification number.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  If any part of this act is found to be in conflict with federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state, the conflicting part of this act is inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict and with respect to the agencies directly affected, and this finding does not affect the operation of the remainder of this act in its application to the agencies concerned.  Rules adopted under this act must meet federal requirements that are a necessary condition to the receipt of federal funds by the state.

                            --- END ---