| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Health Care & Wellness Committee | |
HB 1837
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.
Brief Description: Directing the department of health to develop guidelines for the transport of nonambulatory persons in a vehicle not licensed under chapter 18.73 RCW.
Sponsors: Representatives Newhouse, Cody and Schual-Berke.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/13/07
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
Ambulance services are licensed by the Department of Health. Ambulance services must meet
certain standards for their vehicles relating to personnel, equipment, and vehicle safety.
Patients who must be carried on a stretcher or who may require medical attention en route, may
only be transported by an ambulance. In 2005, the Legislature passed HB 1237
(chapter 193) which specified that a stretcher does not include personal mobility devices that are
owned or leased for a period of at least one week.
Summary of Bill:
The Department of Health (Department), in consultation with the state's emergency medical
program directors, shall adopt guidelines to determine when it is appropriate to use a
non-ambulance vehicle to transport an individual on a stretcher who is being discharged from a
hospital or nursing home. The guidelines must:
An exception to the prohibition on using a non-ambulance vehicle to transport patients who must
be carried on a stretcher or who may need medical attention en route is made for individuals who
are to be transferred from a hospital or nursing home to another medical facility or discharged
from medical care if the individual meets the Department's guidelines.
It is specified that non-ambulance vehicles are not required to obtain a license to transport
individuals according to the guidelines. The Department may use the guidelines in cases
alleging that an inappropriate transport took place, however, it is not required to take disciplinary
action for failure to meet training or equipment recommendations.
The Department shall conduct a pilot project in both the eastern and western portions of the state
to determine the appropriate standards for transporting individuals on a stretcher. The pilot
project is to inform the guidelines regarding identifying individuals who may be safely
transported on a stretcher using a non-ambulance vehicle; identifying appropriate medical
personnel at hospitals and nursing homes to make transportation decisions; and determining
appropriate equipment and training standards. The pilot project shall also study best practices
for transporting individuals with disabilities who rely upon personal mobility devices. In
addition, the pilot project may identify others who may be safely transported in a prone or supine
position in a non-ambulance vehicle. The Department must report to the Legislature on the
findings of the pilot project by November 2009.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 12, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.