HB 1688-S2.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that: (1) Since the enactment of certificate of need legislation in 1979, the development of new health care technologies has resulted in significant advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, and has enabled substantial expansion of sites where complex care and surgery can be performed;

(2) New and existing technologies, supply sensitive health services, and demographics have a substantial effect on health care expenditures. Yet, evidence related to their effectiveness is not routinely or systematically considered in decision making regarding widespread adoption of these technologies and services. The principles of evidence-based medicine call for comprehensive review of data and studies related to a particular health care service or device, with emphasis given to high quality, objective studies. Findings regarding the effectiveness of these health services or devices should then be applied to increase the likelihood that they will be used appropriately;

(3) The standards governing whether a certificate of need should be granted in RCW 70.38.115 focus largely on broad concepts of access to and availability of health services, with only limited consideration of cost-effectiveness. Moreover, the standards do not provide explicit guidance for decision making or evaluating competing certificate of need applications; and

(4) The certificate of need statute plays a vital role and should be reexamined and strengthened to reflect changes in health care delivery and financing since its enactment.

Creates a task force to study and prepare recommendations to the governor and the legislature related to improving and updating the certificate of need program in chapter 70.38 RCW. The report must be submitted to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature by November 1, 2006.

Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.