SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 237

BYHouse Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Cantwell, Brooks, Braddock, Ballard, Scott, P. King, Kremen and Unsoeld; by request of Department of Social and Health Services)

Changing provisions relating to emergency medical services.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 16, 1987; March 31, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Wojahn, Chairman; Stratton, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Deccio, Johnson, Kiskaddon, Kreidler, Tanner.

Senate Staff:Carol Pedigo (786-7417)

                  April 2, 1987

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

BACKGROUND:

RCW 18.73 is the state statute that defines and controls the development and implementation of emergency medical services (EMS) in this state.  It was first passed in 1973 and has gone through minor revisions in the last thirteen years.  During this period, the EMS program has expanded in definition and complexity, both at the state and federal level.  The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is proposing revisions to reflect current concepts in EMS programs in the state.

SUMMARY:

The respective roles and responsibilities of the local medical program director, Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), the local emergency medical services advisory council, and the regional emergency medical services advisory council are clarified.

The periodic ambulance inspection requirement is replaced with a self-inspection program, with on-site inspection as necessary.  (The department's EMS program staff have found that local EMS programs have consistently exceeded state requirements.)

The statutory training requirements for emergency medical technicians and advanced first aid responders are deleted to allow for easier compliance with national standards which have been changed to require more hours of training.  Greater flexibility for considering variances is permitted provided that public health is not affected.

Additional changes are made throughout the statute to reflect current emergency medical services concepts.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The amendment includes language from the original bill as described in the summary.  An additional definition is added to give Local and Regional Emergency Medical Councils the authority to determine which level of medical care will be dispatched to an emergency scene and which hospital will receive emergency cases.

Regional Councils are given the authority to chose to assign the administration of Emergency Medical Service grant funds to county or city governments.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is given authority to adopt rules for:  (1) operation of poison information centers; (2) standards and procedures for certification of poison center medical directors and information specialists; and (3) standards and procedures for reciprocity with other states or certifying agencies.

Poison Center Medical Directors and Information Specialists are given immunity from liability for negligent conduct as it applies to the responsibilities of the job.  DSHS is directed to defend any of these persons if sued due to a job related incident.

Poison Information Act language is updated.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Dr. Bill Robertson, Washington Poison Network; Susie Tracy, Washington State Medical Association; Thelma Struck, DSHS; Pete Speiller, Washington State Fire Commissioners