S-3197.1  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6444

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington   57th Legislature        2002 Regular Session

By Senators Gardner, Prentice, McDonald, Oke, Deccio, Rasmussen, Regala and Horn

Read first time 01/17/2002.  Referred to Committee on Transportation.

Licensing vehicles transporting persons on stretchers.

    AN ACT Relating to the licensing of stretcher van-type vehicles for transporting passengers on stretchers; amending RCW 18.73.180; and adding a new section to chapter 18.73 RCW.

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

    Sec. 1.  RCW 18.73.180 and 1987 c 214 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:

    Other vehicles not herein defined by this chapter shall not be used for transportation of patients ((who must be carried on a stretcher or)) who may require medical attention en route, except that such transportation may be used when a disaster creates a situation that cannot be served by licensed ambulances.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 18.73 RCW to read as follows:

    The department of licensing in conjunction with the department of health shall define by rule adopted under chapter 34.05 RCW the terms necessary to administer RCW 18.73.180 and assure the health and safety of those who travel in a prone or supine position.

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