SENATE BILL REPORT

SCR 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.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8401 be substituted therefor, and the substitute concurrent resolution do pass.

Signed by Senators Becker, Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; Keiser, Ranking Member; Bailey, Cleveland, Ericksen, Frockt, Parlette and Schlicher.

Background: Several state agencies have a role in implementing health care policy in this state. Among them are the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), and the Health Care Authority (HCA). Another part of the state's health care policy is the newly created Health Benefit Exchange (HBE), which was established by an act of legislation as a public-private partnership to be separate and distinct from the state. These agencies and the HBE are not mandated to coordinate their activities.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): A Joint Select Committee on Health Care Oversight (Committee) is established. The Committee's membership will consist of the chairs of the Health Care Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, who will serve as co-chairs. Additionally, four members of the Senate and four members of the House of Representatives will be appointed, two each by each of the largest political parties in each body. The Governor may appoint a nonvoting member as a liaison to the Committee.

The Committee must provide oversight between HCA, HBE, OIC, DOH, and 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 Committee must coordinate with the Research and Analysis Division of DSHS to monitor health care cost trends. The Committee must also, as necessary, propose legislation and budget recommendations to the Legislature.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HEALTH CARE COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): In addition to providing policy recommendations to the Health Care Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Committee must provide budget recommendations to the Ways and Means Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: This bill is a bipartisan effort to provide oversight of health care reform implementation. It will provide good governance and oversight of the various agencies involved. All these agencies are independent, but the Legislature does have budget authority over these agencies and should have some oversight of their activities. This is a terrific opportunity for bipartisan oversight of the complicated implementation of health care reform addressed by these agencies.