SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2360
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Ways & Means, April 21, 2009
Title: An act relating to consolidation of administrative services for AIDS grants in the department of health.
Brief Description: Concerning consolidation of administrative services for AIDS grants in the department of health.
Sponsors: Representative Darneille.
Brief History: Passed House: 4/18/09, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 4/21/09 [DP, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Tom, Vice Chair, Operating Budget; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Hobbs, Honeyford, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, Oemig, Pridemore, Regala and Schoesler.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senators Parlette and Pflug.
Staff: Elaine Deschamps (786-7441)
Background: Under current law, six regional AIDS service networks, called AIDSNETs, conduct planning activities for coordinating community services for individuals who are HIV-positive or have AIDS. The most populous county in each region is designated as the lead county to coordinate with the local health departments within each region to develop a regional plan. The regional plans include components related to administration, available services, a service delivery model, and budget, staffing, and caseload projections.
The Department of Health (DOH) provides funding to community providers through contracts with the AIDSNETs to implement the plans within each region. The plans emphasize contracting with community service providers, such as hospitals, major volunteer organizations, and health care organizations, to implement the plans.
Summary of Bill: As of January 1, 2010, the AIDSNETs are eliminated and the requirements to conduct regional planning for community services for individuals with AIDS is discontinued. The DOH, rather than the AIDSNETs, is responsible for distributing grants to support community services for people who are HIV-positive or have AIDS. The DOH must establish criteria for awarding the grants for testing, counseling, education, case management, notification of sexual partners regarding infected individuals, and intervention strategies for high risk individuals.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on April 15, 2009.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2010.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: CON: While this bill is well-intentioned to reduce administrative costs, it will be disruptive to the AIDNETs council's progress in creating innovate strategies towards reducing AIDS, hinder effective coordination at the regional rather than state level, and could undermine local health jurisdictions' ability to provide mandated services.
Persons Testifying: CON: Robert Wood, Public Health/Seattle-King County.