Brief Description: Describing specialized commercial vehicles used for patient transportation.

Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Murray, Dickerson, Romero and Campbell; by request of Department of Social and Health Services and Department of Health.

Hearing Date: 2/2/04

Staff: Page Scott (786-7301).

Background:

Current state law requires that patients who must be carried on a stretcher or who may require medical attention be transported in ambulances or aid vehicles operated by services licensed by the Department of Health. Ambulance personnel requirements include at least one person who shall be an emergency medical technician under standards of the Department of Health.

Summary of Bill:

Patients who do not need medical attention during transport are permitted to be transported by a specialized commercial transport vehicle other than an ambulance.

The Department of Health must adopt rules necessary to administer RCW 18.73.180.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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