BILL REQ. #:  S-1157.1 

Read first time 02/03/09.   Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

     AN ACT Relating to establishing the office of the health care authority ombudsman; and adding a new section to chapter 48.02 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 48.02 RCW to read as follows:
     There is established, within the office of the insurance commissioner, the position of health care authority ombudsman. The duties of this office are:
     (1) To research and respond to subscriber calls and complaints in a timely manner;
     (2) To ensure that health care authority and public employees' benefits board staff are responsive to subscribers' needs and problems; and
     (3) To monitor the quality control of services to ensure satisfactory resolution of subscriber health care problems and concerns.