SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6360
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 of February 5, 2014
Title: An act relating to including mental health prescriptions in electronic medical records.
Brief Description: Including mental health prescriptions in electronic medical records.
Sponsors: Senator Keiser.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/04/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
Background: In Washington, the Uniform Health Care Information Act (UHCIA) governs the disclosure of health care information by health care providers and their agents or employees. The UHCIA provides that a health care provider may not disclose health care information about a patient unless there is a statutory exception or a written authorization by the patient. Washington has heightened protections for information related to mental health information. The fact of admission and all information and records compiled in the course of providing services to patients at public or private mental health agencies are confidential, except for certain statutory exemptions. One such exemption permits the disclosure of mental health information to current treating providers who have prescriptive authority and who have written a prescription for the patient within the last 12 months. However, a treating provider may not be able to disclose this information if the provider does not know who the current treating providers are or if the current provider has not made the request.
Summary of Bill: The exemption permitting the disclosure of mental health information to current treating providers is expanded by requiring that all prescriptions provided to a patient be included in the patient's electronic medical record.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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 helps to integrate care and is consistent with the state's adoption of a medical home model. We currently have a division between mental health and physical health. We need to combine these areas and ensure that prescription information is available to health care providers, whether it be for mental health or physical health. Mistakes will be made unless all information is provided and prescribing practitioners know what other drugs their patients are taking. These records will only be available to health care providers.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Keiser, prime sponsor.