SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1043

BYHouse Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Wineberry, Niemi, Lux, Braddock and Brooks)

Establishing procedures for reportable diseases.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 31, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Wojahn, Chairman; Anderson, Johnson, Kiskaddon, Kreidler, Tanner,

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  April 2, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS, MARCH 31, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Presently, provisions governing the reporting of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the confidential handling of such data are found in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and not statute.  Further, present WAC listings of reportable diseases do not include all life threatening diseases associated with AIDS, such as AIDS Related Complex (ARC).

SUMMARY:

The identity of persons who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) shall be confidential.

The State Board of Health is precluded from requiring health care providers to report AIDS infections, unless the case falls within the AIDS definitional category IV (most serious) as defined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  This is an expansion of the number of infections reported.  The State Board of Health may require notification of other categories of AIDS if a related effective treatment is found.

The Board of Health is required to periodically determine whether or not these restrictions should be amended because of public health need.  If so, it shall make appropriate recommendations to the Legislature.

Provisions are made that nothing in this act shall limit public health officials from controlling diseases through existing powers.  Health authorities are not prohibited from requiring identification of persons who are suspected of exposing others to a risk of contagion, if such other persons are believed to be unaware of the existence of the contagion.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

A declaration is made that the act shall not limit the Insurance Commissioner from performing duties prescribed in the Insurance Code, Chapter 48 RCW.  The declaration would preserve the ability of the Insurance Commissioner to adopt rules to permit insurance carriers to conduct risk assessments of prospective applicants for insurance.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Jack Jourdan, Seattle-King County Health Department; Jim Holm, Dorian Group; Mel Sorensen, Washington State Medical Association