FINAL BILL REPORT

ESSCR 8401

Synopsis as Enacted

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).

Senate Committee on Health Care

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

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 as a public-private partnership, separate and distinct from the state. These agencies and the HBE are not mandated to coordinate their activities.

Summary: A Joint Select Committee on Health Care Oversight (Committee) is established. The Committee's membership consists 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 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.

The Joint Select Committee on Health Reform Implementation is expired.

Votes on Final Passage: