Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Ways & Means Committee |
HB 2342
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: Creating the universal vaccine purchase account.
Sponsors: Representative Cody.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 4/14/09
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392)
Background:
Since 1993, the federal government has operated the Vaccines for Children program. This program provides coverage for vaccines to all children under age 19 who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, or are Native American or Alaska Native. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) selects which vaccines should be in the program and establishes schedules for dosages, intervals, and contraindications. There are currently sixteen different pediatric vaccines that have been recommended by ACIP. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention contracts with vaccine manufacturers to purchase the recommended vaccines for the program at a discount and distribute them nationwide.
States may elect to purchase additional vaccines at the discounted price that the Vaccines for Children program receives as long as the vaccines are made available to all children regardless of insurance status. Washington operates such a universal purchase program at the Department of Health.
Summary of Bill:
The Universal Vaccine Purchase Account (Account) is created. Funds in the Account shall be used for purchasing vaccines for children under nineteen years old who are not eligible to receive vaccines at no cost under federal programs. The Account consists of contributions from public and private entities that are to be used for increasing access to childhood vaccines. The Account is a non-appropriated account that is subject to allotment procedures.
The Department of Health shall decide which vaccines to purchase with the funds available in the Account based upon the level of available funds, the significance of the vaccine to the health of children, and the recommendations of state and federal immunization committees. Purchases must be made through federal programs that receive discounts for purchasing in large quantities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on April 10, 2009.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.