HB 1471 - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Updates and aligns hospital health care-associated infection rate reporting with federal requirements.

 
VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1471

May 21, 2013

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,
The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning herewith, without my approval as to Section 3, House Bill 1471 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to updating and aligning with federal requirements hospital health care-associated infection rate reporting."

This bill requires the Department of Health to update hospital reporting requirements for health care-associated infections to align with nationally recommended measures. These measures add value to the public and advance patient safety. The bill also gives the Department important rule-making authority to stay consistent with federal requirements.

However, I am vetoing Section 3 of the bill because Section 3 would make Section 1 expire in 2017. Section 1 makes needed substantive changes that I do not believe should expire, nor was that the intent of the legislature.

For these reasons I have vetoed Section 3 of House Bill 1471. With the exception of Section 3, House Bill 1471 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,
Jay Inslee
Governor