SB 6077 - DIGEST

Requires the secretary to increase the licensing fee established under RCW 43.70.110 for health care professionals and facilities designated in this act by one percent of the amount of the applicable annual licensing fee. Proceeds of the patient safety fee must be dedicated to patient safety and medical error reduction efforts that have been proven to improve the quality of care provided by health care professionals and facilities.

Declares that health care professionals and facilities subject to the one percent patient safety fee include: (1) Health care professionals licensed under Title 18 RCW; and

(2) Hospitals licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW, psychiatric hospitals licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW, and ambulatory diagnostic, treatment, or surgical facilities licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW.

Provides that one percent of the present value of the settlement or verdict in any action for damages based upon injuries resulting from health care shall be deducted from the settlement or verdict as a patient safety fee. Proceeds of the patient safety fee will be distributed by the department of health in the form of grants, loans, or other appropriate arrangements to support strategies that have been proven to reduce medical errors and enhance patient safety.

Authorizes the secretary to solicit and accept grants or other funds from public and private sources to support patient safety and medical error reduction efforts under RCW 43.70.110 and 43.70.250 and sections 3 and 4 of this act. Any grants or funds received may be used to enhance these activities as long as program standards established by the secretary are maintained.