HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1101

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:

March 4, 2013

Title: An act relating to designating July 25th as patient safety day.

Brief Description: Designating July 25th as patient safety day.

Sponsors: Representatives Ryu, McCoy, Pedersen, Jinkins, Green, Morrell, Bergquist and Farrell.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Government Operations & Elections: 2/5/13, 2/7/13 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/4/13, 84-14.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Designates July 25 as Patient Safety Day.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Bergquist, Vice Chair; Buys, Ranking Minority Member; Taylor, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Carlyle, Fitzgibbon, Kristiansen, Manweller and Orwall.

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

A number of days are recognized in Washington without being considered legal holidays:

July 25 is recognized worldwide as Patient Safety Day and in 2011 Governor Gregoire proclaimed July 25 as Patient Safety Day in the State of Washington. The purpose of Patient Safety Day is to commemorate patients who have suffered from preventable medical errors, to honor people striving to improve medical safety, and to raise awareness about the importance of medical safety.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature declares July 25 as Patient Safety Day, but it is not considered a legal holiday. The purpose of the designation is to raise awareness of the importance of patient safety in the health care delivery system by commemorating patients harmed by preventable medical errors and recognizing individuals committed to improving patient safety in the health care delivery system.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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) The purpose of the bill is for the Legislature to recognize Patient Safety Day in tribute to those who work to promote health and safety and commemorate the lives of all patients. By publicly designating the day, patient safety will be increased and health care costs through prevention of medical harm will be reduced. It is believed that designating this day as Patient Safety Day would raise awareness of safety. Many people die due to preventable medication errors, and the impact on their families is devastating. Medical safety cannot be accomplished by a single person, clinic, or hospital. It must be accomplished through commitment and people working together. Designating a patient safety day will build a partnership and raise awareness of and commitment to patient safety. Many citizens request the support of this nonpolitical bill. It has no cost, is good news, and is easy to support. Many days are recognized by the state and are important to a significant number of our population. This day is important to everyone. One in four people are harmed by preventable medical errors, and these errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. A study indicated that the number of people harmed by medical errors is equivalent to a jumbo jet crashing each and every day. This bill will help promote the need to solve medical errors. Patient Safety Day will increase public awareness of our public safety initiatives. Ensuring patient safety saves dollars. Hospital infections cause millions of deaths. Increasing nursing staff will help prevent harm.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Ryu, prime sponsor; Xanling Yu, Washington Advocates for Patient Safety; Rex Johnson; and Melissa Johnson, Washington State Nurses Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.