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

Sponsors: 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.

Hearing Date: 2/27/03

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

The Department of Health regulates 55 different types of health care professions. Currently, there are over 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 preparing for and carrying out all non-military emergency functions to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters and to provide aid to victims of these events. The Director of the Department is responsible for developing a comprehensive emergency management plan which shall address all natural, technological, or human caused hazards that pose a risk to Washington State 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 may also enter into mutual aid agreements with other local organizations to provide reciprocal assistance in the event of a disaster.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Health (DOH) must ask applicants for health care professional credentials whether or not they are willing to have their names, professions, and contact information sent to the Military Department as potential volunteers in the event of a bioterrorist incident, natural disaster, or other emergency or disaster where health care providers are needed. The DOH is required to maintain the list and send it to the Military Department at least annually.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 21, 2003.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2004.