HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2643

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 Passed House:

February 10, 2012

Title: An act relating to purchase of care in institutions for mental diseases.

Brief Description: Concerning purchase of care in institutions for mental diseases.

Sponsors: Representatives Green, Hinkle, Dickerson, Springer, Goodman and Moeller.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 1/30/12 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/10/12, 96-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

Specifies that the Department of Social and Health Services' authority to purchase care in mental health institutions includes the purchase of inpatient mental health services and inpatient hospital detoxification of acute alcohol or other drug intoxication services.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Jinkins, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Hinkle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Clibborn, Green, Harris, Kelley, Moeller and Van De Wege.

Background:

The Medicaid program pays for inpatient hospital detoxification of acute alcohol or other drug intoxications for eligible clients. The care must be provided in either a detoxification unit in a hospital that has a detoxification provider agreement with the Department of Social and Health Services or an acute hospital that provides the care in a medical unit.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Social and Health Services' authority to purchase care in mental health institutions is clarified to specify that the authority includes the purchase of inpatient mental health services and inpatient hospital detoxification of acute alcohol or other drug intoxication services.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Fairfax Hospital is currently restricted from seeing Medicaid patients and this bill to seeks to allow Fairfax Hospital to offer detoxification services to Medicaid patients. This bill has been drafted very narrowly. Fairfax Hospital has the resources to treat people with co-occurring disorders. There are few providers for this needed service and this bill will make this service available to more people.

(Opposed) None.