Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1926
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: Exempting certain hospice agencies from certificate of need requirements.
Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Ericksen, Appleton, Pettigrew, Kenney, Moeller and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/13/09
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191)
Background:
A certificate of need is required before:
a health care facility may be constructed, renovated, or sold;
the bed capacity at certain health care facilities is increased;
the number of dialysis stations at a kidney disease center is increased; or
the addition of specialized health services.
When determining whether to issue a certificate of need, the Department of Health must consider:
the population's need for the service;
the availability of less costly or more effective methods of providing the service;
the financial feasibility and probable impact of the proposal of on the cost of health care in the community;
the need and availability of services and facilities for physicians and patients in the community;
the efficiency and appropriateness of the use of existing similar services and facilities; and
improvements in the financing and delivery of health services that contain costs and promote quality assurance.
Summary of Bill:
A certificate of need is not required for a hospice agency if:
the hospice agency is designed to serve the unique religious or cultural needs of a religious group or ethnic minority and commits to furnishing hospice services in a manner specifically aimed at meeting those needs;
the hospice agency is operated by an organization that has operated, for at least 10 consecutive years, a facility or group of facilities that offers a comprehensive continuum of long-term care services (including, at a minimum, a licensed, Medicare-certified nursing home, assisted living, independent living, day health, and community-based support services) designed to meet the unique religious or cultural needs of a religious group or ethnic minority;
the hospice agency commits to coordinating with existing hospice programs in its community when appropriate;
the hospice agency anticipates an average daily census of under 35 patients by its third year of operation; and
the hospice agency commits to obtaining and maintaining Medicare certification.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.