Brief Description: Establishing the joint select committee on public health financing.

Sponsors: By Representatives Schual-Berke, Cody, Haler, Moeller, Clibborn, Darneille, Fromhold and Chase.

Background:

Since 1994 the Department of Health (Department) 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:

The Joint Select Committee on Public Health Financing (Committee) is created. The membership of the Committee consists of a member of each caucus from the House and Senate committees with principal jurisdiction over health care and fiscal matters. The Committee must collaborate with representatives of the Governor's office, the Department, the Association of Counties, the Association of Local Public Health Officials, and the State Board of Health. The Committee shall review existing and potential funding sources and expenditures for public health services and recommend potential sources of future funding. The final report is due by July 1, 2006.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   Adopted
Senate   46   2