Brief Description: Establishing requirements for cancer registry information to be provided to cancer patients.

Sponsors: Representative Nixon.

Hearing Date: 1/21/04

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

Washington is one of 45 states that receives funding awards from the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to participate in the National Program of Cancer Registries. The Department of Health maintains the Washington State Cancer Registry (Cancer Registry) through partnerships with private organizations. The Cancer Registry collects data related to the identity of cancer patients, their cancer diagnoses, their first course of treatment, their health care providers, and other information that may be required by the CDC. Health care facilities, independent clinical laboratories, and principal health care providers are required to report this information.

Data that could lead to the identification of cancer patients, cancer diagnosis or treatment facilities, independent clinical laboratories, or attending health care providers is confidential. The data in the Cancer Registry is used for statistical, scientific, medical research, and public health purposes and confidential data may only be released for these purposes and subject to specified conditions.

Summary of Bill:

Individuals and entities that are required to report patient information to the statewide cancer registry program must provide the patient who is the subject of the report with information describing the purpose of the statewide cancer registry program; the collection, use, distribution, and confidentiality of the information; and other information required by the Department of Health.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.