HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1852
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to treatment records.
Brief Description: Modifying treatment records provisions.
Sponsors: Representatives Green, Cody, Kenney and Schual-Berke; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/14/07, 2/15/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Condotta, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
There are federal and state confidentiality laws regarding sharing medical billing information.
Federal confidentiality laws permit sharing medical billing information for the purposes of
care coordination. The state law prohibits sharing mental health drug and diagnosis
information contained in a medical bill.
Summary of Bill:
The Department of Social and Health Services is authorized to share drug, emergency room,
and hospital information that may contain a mental health diagnosis with the client's
prescribing providers for the purposes of care coordination.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This will help improve the coordination of care of people with a mental health
diagnosis by providing useful information to the person's treating physician.
(With concerns) It is important to safeguard the confidentiality of a person's medical records.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Green, prime sponsor; and Richard
Kellogg, Mental Health Department, Department of Social and Health Services.
(With concerns) Jean Wessman, Washington State Association of Counties.