| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Health Care Committee | |
HB 1737
Brief Description: Establishing the joint public health financing committee.
Sponsors: Representatives Schual-Berke, Cody, Clibborn, Fromhold, Bailey, Woods, Moeller, Darneille and Haler.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/24/05
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
Since 1994 the Department of Health has published a Public Health (Services) Improvement Plan
(Plan) every two years. By statute, the Department must develop the Plan in consultation with
the Board of Health, local health jurisdictions, area Indian health services, and other
organizations. The Plan must address standards for public health protection, strategies and
schedules for improving public health programs, and recommended levels of dedicated funding
for public health services. The 2004 version of the Plan recommended the formulation of a
specially organized group to study alternative financing strategies for the public health system.
Summary of Bill:
The Joint Public Health Financing Committee (Committee) is created. The voting members of
the Committee consist of the chairs, vice-chairs, and ranking minority members of the House and
Senate committees with principal jurisdiction over health care and fiscal matters. The nonvoting
members include a representative of the Governor's office and each member of the Public Health
Improvement Partnership. The Committee shall appoint a four-person executive committee and
may appoint subcommittees and advisory groups as necessary.
The Committee shall (1) analyze the costs and benefits of implementing the 2004 version of the
Plan; (2) recommend strategies and a schedule for implementing the Plan within six years; (3)
recommend sources and levels of dedicated funding for public health services; and (4) review the
Plan to determine ways to incorporate it into the public health system. An interim report is due
by December 1, 2005 and the final report is due by December 1, 2006.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 19, 2005.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.