| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Health Care & Wellness Committee | |
ESSB 6360
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: Establishing a work group on primary care medical practice.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Pflug, Keiser, Swecker, Fairley, Hewitt, Schoesler and Kohl-Welles).
Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/25/08
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
Recent reports indicate the number of United States medical school graduates entering family
practice residencies dropped by 50 percent between 1997 and 2005. In 2006 the Washington
State Department of Health (DOH) reported primary care provider shortages throughout 16 of
the state's 39 counties, and within specific areas or populations of 38 counties.
Summary of Bill:
The work group on Primary Care Medical Practice (work group) is established. Membership
includes one Senator and one Representative from each caucus of the House and Senate, and
appointments by the Director of the Health Care Authority (HCA) that include representatives of
primary care physicians, community clinics, and health plans, and the HCA. The HCA
representative must chair the work group.
The work group must examine ways to recruit and retain primary care physicians, and options
for providing greater reimbursement for physicians who exhibit best practices, such as: ensuring
all patients have access to nurse consultants; encourage mammograms; implement strategies to
reduce patients' use of non-emergent emergency-room care; communicate with patients
electronically; and effectively manage blood sugar levels of patients with diabetes.
The work group will be supported by staff of the Senate and House of Representatives. Findings
must be reported by December 1, 2008.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.