SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2530
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Health Care, February 25, 2014
Title: An act relating to infectious disease testing for good samaritans.
Brief Description: Requiring free infectious disease testing for good samaritans.
Sponsors: Representatives Robinson, Jinkins, Morrell, Freeman and Santos.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/17/14, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/25/14 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Becker, Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; Pedersen, Ranking Member; Angel, Bailey, Cleveland, Keiser and Parlette.
Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)
Background: A Good Samaritan is a person who renders emergency care or transportation without expectation of compensation. A Good Samaritan is entitled to receive appropriate infectious disease testing free of charge from the local health department in the county of the person's residence if (1) while rendering emergency care, the Good Samaritan came into contact with bodily fluids, and (2) the Good Samaritan does not have health insurance that covers the testing. Local health departments are not required to provide health care services beyond testing. The information obtained from the testing is subject to statutory confidentiality provisions.
By rule, to receive free testing there must be an exchange of bodily fluids that significantly increases the odds of being exposed to a deadly infectious disease, and the Good Samaritan must request the testing within 30 days of exposure. The local health department determines the diseases for which it is appropriate to test the Good Samaritan.
Summary of Bill: A local health department must provide free infectious disease testing to a Good Samaritan even if the Good Samaritan has health insurance that would cover the test. A local health department must provide free testing of a consenting source patient to guide post-exposure prophylaxis treatment of the Good Samaritan.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill supports Washington citizens who step up and offer Good Samaritan acts, first aid, or medical assistance. Other health care providers are already entitled to free infectious disease testing.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Robinson, prime sponsor; Tierney Edwards, WA State Medical Assn.