SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5454
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, 2015
Title: An act relating to requiring reporting of infections consequent to laser in-situ keratomileusis surgery.
Brief Description: Requiring reporting of infections consequent to laser in-situ keratomileusis surgery.
Sponsors: Senators Becker, Frockt, Dammeier, Jayapal, Bailey, Keiser, Parlette, Conway, Cleveland and Chase.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/05/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Staff: Evan Klein (786-7483)
Background: Laser In-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) Surgery. LASIK is a surgery that flattens the cornea of the eye. It is commonly used for correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism. A flap is cut in the cornea and a laser is used to vaporize a portion of the stroma. LASIK surgery can lead to some complications, such as inflammation or infection. Infections are normally treated with antibiotic eye drops or anti-inflammatory medication such as steroids. LASIK procedures are performed in either hospitals or ambulatory surgical facilities.
Optometrists are not authorized to perform ophthalmic surgeries, which includes LASIK, in Washington State. Washington does not regulate the practice of LASIK surgery by physicians or osteopathic physicians.
Infection Reporting. Hospitals must collect data related to health care-associated infections and submit the data to the Department of Health (DOH). DOH must annually publish a report on its website that compares the health care-associated infection rates at individual hospitals in the state using the data that was reported. The reports must not release health information about any individual patient.
Summary of Bill: Any physician or osteopathic physician who performs LASIK surgery must report any patient infection caused or likely to have been caused as a consequence to the LASIK procedure to DOH. DOH must publish a report on their website that compares the infection rates of physicians or osteopathic physicians who perform LASIK surgery. The data must not release health information about any individual patient.
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: Patients need to know the risks associated with LASIK surgery. This bill would provide more information to patients before surgery to allow them to make a more informed decision.
CON: There are concerns that a post-surgical infection may occur that may not be because of the surgery, but because of events during recovery not associated with the facility doing the surgery. Infections associated with LASIK are also rare.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Becker, prime sponsor.
CON: Emily Studebaker, WA Ambulatory Surgery Center Assn.