| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Appropriations Committee | |
HB 2087
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: Regarding the certification and recertification of health care facilities.
Sponsors: Representatives Fromhold, Hinkle, Cody and Moeller.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/15/07
Staff: Bernard Dean (786-7130).
Background:
The Department of Health (DOH) receives funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS) to certify health care facilities for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.
The DOH's certification work includes complaint investigations, surveys for recertification of
existing Medicare facilities, and initial certifications of new facilities. The facilities covered by
that work include hospitals, home health agencies, rehabilitation services, rural health clinics,
ambulatory surgery centers, and kidney dialysis centers.
Under an agreement with the federal government, CMS establishes four priority levels of
certification activity to be done under the DOH's grant agreement. The CMS establishes a set
budget allocation for each state. The DOH then identifies the amount of work it can do based on
the budget allocation and priorities set by CMS.
Four of the six types of facilities (home health, hospice, hospitals, and ambulatory surgery
centers) covered by the program have the option to obtain their initial federal certification survey
through independent accrediting organizations.
Summary of Bill:
The DOH may assess fees on the certification and recertification of health care facilities or
receive state appropriations to fund such activities when the federal government does not provide
sufficient funding to cover all certifications and recertifications.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 6, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.