SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1626

BYRepresentatives Braddock, Ballard, Brooks, Moyer and Kremen

Amending emergency medical service provisions.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 17, 1988; February 18, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Deccio, Chairman; Johnson, Vice Chairman; Kreidler, Niemi, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  February 19, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, FEBRUARY 18, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Social and Health Services certifies emergency medical personnel.  These personnel provide emergency medical care and treatment to persons at the scene of an accident or while transporting patients to medical facilities.  Emergency medical personnel are immune from liability for acts of ordinary negligence for rendering pre-hospital emergency medical care, but this immunity does not apply to the emergency care of patients transported between hospitals.

SUMMARY:

The definition of emergency medical care is expanded to include the transportation of patients between health facilities.  Statutory language is repealed that limits emergency care to pre-hospital treatment.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 22, 1988

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Senate Committee - Testified: Dr. Lothar Pinkers, WSMA (for); Susie Tracy, WSMA (for); Otto Jensen, Washington Association of Fire Chiefs (for); Howard Farley, DSHS (for)