SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2229

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 22, 2018

Title: An act relating to the applicability of dental practice laws to integrated care delivery systems.

Brief Description: Concerning the applicability of dental practice laws to integrated care delivery systems.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representative Macri).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/18, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/22/18.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Exempts licensed health care service contractors that are organized as nonprofit integrated care delivery systems from provisions that prohibit corporations from practicing dentistry or from soliciting dental patronage for dentists employed by a corporation.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE

Staff: Greg Attanasio (786-7410)

Background: Only individuals licensed by the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) may practice dentistry in the state. Corporations are prohibited from practicing dentistry or soliciting dental patronage for dentists employed by a corporation. However, a person or entity not licensed by DQAC may:

Summary of Bill: The prohibition on the corporate practice of dentistry and solicitation of dental patronage for dentists employed by a corporation does not apply to an arrangement for care delivery between a licensed health service contractor organized as a nonprofit integrated care delivery system and a health care provider, provided that the arrangement between the parties meets:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: A bill on the corporate practice of dentistry passed last year; however, it did not consider the impacts on Kaiser, which has a long standing integrated dental practice. During the interim stakeholders worked together to come to an agreement that will ensure that Kaiser's integrated dental practice can continue while also safeguarding patients.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Nicole Macri, Prime Sponsor; Amber Ulvenes, Kaiser Permanente Northwest.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.