FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6002

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.

C 488 L 09

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Abolishing the Washington state quality forum.

Sponsors: Senators Keiser and Pridemore; by request of Health Care Authority.

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Ways & Means

Background: The Blue Ribbon Commission legislation passed in 2007 created the Washington Quality Forum (Forum) within the Health Care Authority. The Forum's responsibilities include the collection and dissemination of research on health care quality, evidence-based medicine, and patient safety to promote best practices. The Forum is also tasked to coordinate the collection of health care quality data among state health care purchasing agencies, and adopt a set of measures to evaluate and compare health care cost, quality, and provider performance.

Summary: This act eliminates the Forum and repeals the requirement that the Department of Health report adverse events to the Forum.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

46

0

House

95

0

Effective:

July 26, 2009