HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5501

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.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Pflug, Franklin, Parlette, Murray and Kohl-Welles).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 3/19/09, 3/26/09 [DPA];

Health & Human Services Appropriations: 4/1/09, 4/3/09 [DPA(APPH w/o HCW)].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

(As Amended by House)

Directs the Administrator of the Health Care Authority to designate one or more lead organizations to coordinate the development of processes, guidelines, and standards related to patient access to and control of their health records, and secure exchange of clinical data.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Driscoll, Vice Chair; Campbell, Clibborn, Green, Hinkle, Kelley, Moeller, Morrell and Pedersen.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey and Herrera.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended by Committee on Health & Human Services Appropriations and without amendment by Committee on Health Care & Wellness. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Pettigrew, Chair; Seaquist, Vice Chair; Appleton, Cody, Dickerson, Miloscia, Morrell, O'Brien, Roberts, Walsh and Wood.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ericksen and Johnson.

Background:

The Health Care Authority (HCA) has worked with the Health Information Infrastructure Advisory Board (HIIAB) to research and pilot a system of health record banks to promote community electronic information sharing since 2005. There are currently three pilot programs in operation. The pilot programs are intended to facilitate the secure exchange of health information when and where needed between patients and health care providers. As part of its work, the HIIAB recommended that health record banks be implemented, consumers be involved in the development of health record banking, health care providers be encouraged to adopt electronic medical records, and the state provide funding for the implementation plan.

Summary of Amended Bill:

The Administrator of the HCA (Administrator) is required to designate one or more lead organizations to coordinate the development of processes, guidelines, and standards related to patient access to and control of their health records and secure exchange of clinical data.

The Administrator and the lead organization are authorized to seek federal funds, grants, donations, and gifts to implement the act.

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Health Care & Wellness):

(In support) This will be a big help to health care providers by standardizing all the processes, guidelines, and standards that are required by private and public payors of health care services.

(Opposed) None.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Health & Human Services Appropriations):

(In support) This bill establishes a statewide approach to electronic medical records. This bill will develop a statewide system to support the local pilot projects currently underway. A statewide system will avoid unnecessary costs and errors. This bill will be accomplished within existing resources and through federal stimulus funds.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying (Health Care & Wellness): Senator Keiser, prime sponsor; Peggy Quan, American Association of Retired Persons; and Tim Layton, Washington State Medical Association.