SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 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.

Title: An act relating to exempting from certificate of need requirements hospice agencies that serve the unique cultural or religious needs of religious groups or ethnic minorities.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Cody, Ericksen, Appleton, Pettigrew, Kenney, Moeller and Ormsby).

Background: A certificate of need is required before a health care facility is constructed, renovated, sold, or when beds are added or specialized services are increased. The certificate of need process is administered by the Department of Health (DOH) and the following factors are considered: the population's need for the change, the availability of less costly services, the financial feasibility, impact of the proposal on the cost of health care to the community, the efficiency and appropriateness of existing services and facilities, and whether the proposed change can improve quality of care to the community.

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 community;
is operated by an organization that has been in business for at least ten consecutive years and offers a continuum of long-term care services;
has a census of no more than 40 hospice patients;
commits to maintaining Medicare certification;
serves only patients within the same county as the majority of the long-term care services offered by the organization that operates the agency; and
is not sold or transferred to another entity.