Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
ESSCR 8401
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. |
Brief Description: Creating a joint select committee on health care oversight.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Becker, Frockt, Dammeier and Schlicher).
Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/14/13
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Several entities and state agencies have a role in implementing health care policy in Washington, including:
the Insurance Commissioner (OIC), which regulates health insurance;
the Department of Health (DOH), which performs a variety of health-related functions, including licensing health professions and facilities, maintaining health statistics, and coordinating public health activities;
the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), which performs functions relating to mental health and long-term care;
the Health Care Authority (HCA), which performs functions relating to Medicaid and health plans for government employees; and
the Health Benefit Exchange (HBE), which is a public-private partnership through which consumers may compare and purchase small group and individual health insurance policies.
Summary of Bill:
The Joint Select Committee on Health Care Oversight (JSCHCO) is established. The JSCHCO consists of the chairs of the Health Care committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, who will serve as co-chairs, and four members of the Senate and four members of the House of Representatives, two of each appointed by each of the largest political parties in each body. The Governor may appoint a nonvoting member as a liaison to the JSCHCO.
The JSCHCO must provide oversight between the HCA, the HBE, the OIC, the DOH, and the DSHS. This oversight must include monitoring of each agency's activities to ensure they are not duplicating their efforts and are working towards a goal of increased quality of service, which will then lead to reduced costs to the health care consumer. The JSCHCO must coordinate with the Research and Analysis Division of the DSHS to monitor health care cost trends. The JSCHCO must also, as necessary, propose legislation and budget recommendations to the Legislature.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.