Brief Description: Concerning preparation and response to pandemic influenza.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Thibaudeau and Kline).

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
House Committee on Health Care
House Committee on Appropriations

Background: Pandemic influenza is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new virus appears in the human population, causes serious illness, and spreads easily from person to person. According to the World Health Organization, the current risk of pandemic is great and is likely to persist. It could emerge with little warning, and lead to substantial human and economic loss. There is concern that Washington State is not sufficiently prepared to respond if a pandemic were to occur.

Summary: To the extent state or federal funds are provided for this purpose, by November 1, 2006, each local health jurisdiction in the state must develop a pandemic flu preparedness and response plan consistent with the requirements and performance standards established by the state Department of Health (DOH) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Each plan is to be based on an initial assessment by the local health jurisdiction of its existing response capacity, and is to be developed in consultation with appropriate public and private sector partners. At a minimum, a plan must prioritize and address a list of issues enumerated in the bill, including public education, disease surveillance, communication systems, vaccination protocols, and strategies to maintain health care and other essential community services.

DOH will provide technical assistance and distribute funds, based on a predetermined formula, to support local health jurisdictions in developing their plans. Upon receipt of a plan meeting its established requirements and standards, DOH will provide additional funds and assistance to support implementation of the identified preparedness and response activities. At least biannually, DOH is to assess the compliance of each local jurisdiction with its requirements and standards for pandemic flu preparedness.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      47   0
House      98   0   (House amended)
Senate            (Senate refused to concur)
House      98   0   (House amended)
Senate      44   0   (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 7, 2006