SENATE BILL REPORT

2SHB 1713

BYHouse Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Braddock, Ballard, Sprenkle, Vekich, Lux, Haugen, Holm, Sayan, Winsley, Anderson and Baugher)

Creating a committee to study and design a trauma care system for Washington.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

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

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  February 24, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS,  FEBRUARY 23, 1988

BACKGROUND:

There is not a comprehensive trauma care system in the state of Washington.  Existing care is fragmented and inconsistent.  A significant problem exists in rural areas where trauma care is often dependent upon volunteer pre-hospital care providers.  Once a victim has been stabilized, the transport time may be in excess of an hour.

SUMMARY:

The bill creates a steering committee which will recommend an independent party to analyze the state's trauma system.  The Trauma Care System Trust Account in the state treasury is created.  Monies shall be transferred to the account from the Public Safety Education Account, or other sources, as appropriated.  If a state trauma care system is not created by June 30, 1992, the fund shall revert to the Highway Safety Fund.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The Steering Committee shall report to the Legislature by July 1, 1989 with the results of the identification and assessment phase of the analysis of the State's Trauma Care System.

Appropriation:    $250,000 to the State Treasury

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 20, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: Susie Tracey, WSMA (for); Lothan Pinkers, WSMA (for); Janet Griffin, DSHS (for); Dan Rusin, DSHS-SHCC (for); Susan Budassisheehy, Tacoma Fire Dept. (for)