Brief Description: Revising authority of public hospital districts to pay recruitment expenses and employee training and education expenses.

Sponsors: Representatives Alexander, Cody, Skinner, Schual-Berke, Pflug, Morrell, Moeller, Darneille, Clibborn, Campbell and Bailey.

Hearing Date: 2/4/03

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

Public hospital districts are types of municipal corporations that are authorized to operate hospitals and other health care facilities and provide other hospital and health care services within a specified community. In addition to operating hospitals, these services may include nursing homes, extended care, long-term care, outpatient and rehabilitation facilities, and ambulance services.

As government entities, the authority of public hospital districts is specifically stated in statute. Under current law, public hospital districts may survey existing hospitals and health care facilities, manage property, lease facilities and equipment, borrow money, issue and sell bonds, and raise revenue through levies. Public hospital districts may also reimburse candidates for medical, superintendent, managerial, and technical positions for their travel and living expenses associated with attending an interview when an interview is deemed necessary or desirable to achieve adequate staffing. They may also enter contracts, and employ staff including superintendents, attorneys, and other assistants and employees.

Summary of Bill:

The authority of public hospital districts to pay for the travel and living expenses of candidates for medical, superintendent, and other managerial and technical positions is expanded to include the expenses of family members accompanying the candidate.

The authority of public hospital districts to enter contracts is modified to specifically allow contracts with current or prospective employees or medical staff members to provide payment or reimbursement for health care training or education expenses in exchange for their services.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.