BILL REQ. #:  Z-1073.1 

Read first time 01/09/2006.   Referred to Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Consumer Protection.

     AN ACT Relating to exempting certain private air ambulance services from licensing under the insurance code; and adding a new section to chapter 48.01 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 48.01 RCW to read as follows:
     A private air ambulance service that solicits membership subscriptions, accepts membership applications, charges membership fees, and provides air ambulance services, to subscription members and designated members of their household is not an insurer under RCW 48.01.050, a health carrier under chapter 48.43 RCW, a health care services contractor under chapter 48.44 RCW, or a health maintenance organization under chapter 48.46 RCW if the private air ambulance service:
     (1) Is licensed in accordance with RCW 18.73.130;
     (2) Attains and maintains accreditation by the commission on accreditation of medical transport services or another accrediting organization approved by the department of health as having equivalent requirements as the commission for aeromedical transport;
     (3) Has been in operation in Washington for at least two years; and
     (4) Has submitted evidence of its compliance with this section, the licensing requirements of RCW 18.73.130, and accreditation from the commission or another accrediting organization approved by the department of health as having equivalent requirements as the commission for aeromedical transport to the commissioner.