SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2122

As of March 24, 2003

Title: An act relating to simplifying administrative procedures for state-purchased health care programs.

Brief Description: Simplifying administrative procedures for state-purchased health care programs.

Sponsors: Representatives Schual-Berke, Benson, Cody, Campbell and Kenney.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/25/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff: Jonathan Seib (786-7427)

Background: The state is a major purchaser of health care services in Washington. The Department of Social and Health Services, the Department of Labor and Industries, and the Health Care Authority all purchase health care services for the clients they serve. If state agencies involved in the purchase of health care services do not operate efficiently and effectively, they can negatively affect health care providers and health carriers.

Summary of Bill: The Department of Social and Health Services, the Department of Labor and Industries, and the Health Care Authority are required to collectively assess strategies to: improve core services; streamline current administrative practices; establish clear expectations of managed care plans, develop consistency with national and regional standards, and standardize similarities between agencies. The agencies must provide a progress report to the Legislature by December 1, 2003, and take steps to implement the identified strategies by December 1, 2004.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.