Title: An act relating to specialized commercial vehicles used for patient transportation.

Brief Description: Describing specialized commercial vehicles used for patient transportation.

Sponsors: Representatives Newhouse, Cody, Clements, Bailey, Roach, Morrell, Lovick, Simpson, Murray, Chase, Kagi and Wallace.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/03/05, 96-1.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/23/05, 3/31/05 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benson, Eide, Esser, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Spanel and Weinstein.

Staff: Dalene Sprick (786-7321)

Background: Under current law, generally patients who must be carried on a stretcher or who may require medical attention en route must be transported via an ambulance or an aid car, except when a disaster creates a situation that cannot be served by licensed ambulances. However, stretcher is not currently defined.

Summary of Bill: The legislature finds that requiring all patients who need to travel in a prone or supine position but are medically stable, to be transported by an ambulance can be overly restrictive to individuals with disabilities.

"Stretcher" is defined as a cart designed to serve as a litter for the transportation of a patient in a prone or supine position as commonly used in the ambulance industry. However, it specifically excludes personal mobility aids that recline at an angle or remain at a flat position, such as wheelchairs, personal gurneys, or banana carts. Such personal mobility aids must be owned or leased for a period of at least one week by the individual using the equipment or the individual's guardian or representative.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: This legislation promotes access and mobility. It allows people who are confined to a prone or supine position to travel without the costs of using an ambulance. It allows people who's lives are already restricted to have greater flexibility and options. It is more fiscally responsible for both consumers and the state.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Representative Newhouse; Bob Berchauer, Washington Ambulance Association; Janet Kastl, DOH; Rick Maesner, CTANW; Robin Phillips, ACCT/WSDOT; and Toby Olson, Governor's Committee on Disabled Issues.