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

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

Brief History:

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 4/13/05, Adopted.
Passed Senate: 4/19/05, 46-2.
Passed Legislature.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority/Minority Report: None.

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

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 of Engrossed Bill: Summary of the Engrossed Resolution:

The Joint Select Committee on Public Health Financing (Committee) is created. The members of the Committee consist of a member of each caucus from the House and Senate committees with principal jurisdiction over health care and fiscal matters. The Committee shall collaborate with representatives of the Governor's office, the Department, Association of Counties, Association of Local Public Health Officials, and the State Board of Health. The Committee shall review current 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.

Engrossed Resolution Compared to the Original:

The engrossed resolution redesignates the task force as a joint select committee. Provisions requiring staffing assistance by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee are removed. In addition to recommending sources of future funding for public health services, the Committee shall review current and potential sources of funding and expenditures for public health services.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Testimony For: None.

Testimony Against: None.

Persons Testifying: None.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.