Brief Description: Authorizing fire protection districts to establish or participate in health clinic services.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Ericks, Appleton, Simpson, Kilmer, Eickmeyer, Woods, Lovick, Santos and Linville).

House Committee on Health Care
Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:

Point Roberts, Washington is bounded on three sides by water and shares a common border with Canada. While part of Whatcom County, residents must drive through two international borders to seek medical attention in the county's largest city, Bellingham. In 2002, a group of local citizens attempted to open a health clinic in conjunction with the local fire protection district to serve some of the health needs of area residents. The State Auditor's Office indicated at the time that the fire protection district did not have the statutory authority to assist with the operation of a health clinic.

In 2003, the Legislature specifically authorized the fire protection district at Point Roberts, Washington to participate in the operation and maintenance of a health clinic. It is the only fire protection district in Washington authorized to do so.

Summary:

Authorizes one additional fire protection district bounded on the north by Bremerton, the west by Mason County, the south by Pierce County, and the east by Puget Sound to participate in the operation and maintenance of health clinics.

The Department of Health is directed to study the merits of allowing fire protection districts to establish and participate in the provision of health clinic services. An advisory committee will be appointed to assist in the study. The Department will report the results of the study and any recommendations to the Legislature by September 1, 2006.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   97   0
Senate   40   7   (Senate amended)
House         (House refused to concur)
Senate   48   1   (Senate amended)
House   95   2   (House concurred)

Effective: July 24, 2005

Partial Veto Summary: The requirement that the Department of Health study the merits of allowing all fire protection districts to establish and participate in the provision of health clinic services is vetoed.