Title: An act relating to providing the administrator with authority to administer grants on behalf of the health care authority.

Brief Description: Authorizing the administrator of the health care authority to administer grants on behalf of the authority.

Sponsors: Representatives Pedersen, Curtis, Schual-Berke, Ormsby and Moeller; by request of Health Care Authority.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/07, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/19/07, 3/21/07 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Fairley, Kastama, Kohl-Welles, Marr and Parlette.

Staff: Mich'l Needham (786-7442)

Background: The State Health Care Authority (HCA) is the state agency which administers state employee insurance benefits and the Basic Health Plan, which is a state subsidized health insurance program for low income people. The HCA's authority includes the ability to apply for, receive, and accept grants to implement initiatives and strategies.

Summary of Bill: It is specified that the primary duties of the HCA includes administering grants that further its mission and goals. The HCA may issue, distribute, and administer such grants.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a straight-forward clean-up for the Health Care Authority statutes to ensure they can give out grants and contracts for a variety of programs.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Pedersen, prime sponsor; Richard Onizuka, Health Care Authority.