FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1849

C 384 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Creating a list of health care providers willing to serve as volunteer resources during an emergency or disaster.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Bailey, Cody, Pflug, Morris, Skinner, McDonald, Ruderman, Pearson, Ahern, Schindler, Kagi, Kristiansen, Morrell, Orcutt, Darneille, Benson, Wood, Pettigrew, Newhouse, Clements, O'Brien, Linville, Moeller, Chase, Tom, Alexander, Talcott, Rockefeller, Woods and Anderson).

House Committee on Health Care

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:

The Department of Health (DOH) regulates 55 different types of health care professions. There are more than 250,000 health care providers credentialed in these fields.

The Emergency Management Division of the Washington Military Department (Department) is responsible for matters related to the preparation and performance of all non-military emergency functions concerning emergencies and disasters and the provision of aid to victims of these events. The Director of the Department is responsible for developing a comprehensive emergency management plan which must address all natural, technological, or human caused hazards that pose a risk to Washington and for coordinating local resources. Political subdivisions may create local organizations to develop local emergency management plans that are consistent with the Department's comprehensive plan. Local organizations also may enter into mutual aid agreements with other local organizations to provide reciprocal assistance in the event of a disaster.

Summary:

The DOH is authorized to contact health care professionals to request permission to collect their names, professions, and contact information and include them in the DOH's records of potential volunteers to serve in the event of a bioterrorism incident, natural disaster, or other emergency or disaster where health care providers are needed. The DOH is required to maintain the list and, upon request, send it to local health departments, state emergency planning and response agencies, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 94  0

Senate 41  0

Effective: July 27, 2003