SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5259

BYSenators Moore and Kiskaddon

Authorizing occupational therapy services under the medical care and medical assistance programs.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 3, 1987; February 9, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass and refer to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Anderson, Deccio, Johnson, Kiskaddon, Kreidler, Tanner.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  February 9, 1987

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 9, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5259 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDermott, Chairman; Gaspard, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Fleming, Lee, Owen, Rinehart, Talmadge, Vognild, Warnke, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Suzanne Petersen (786-7715)

                  March 10, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, MARCH 9, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Occupational therapists are licensed under Chapter 18.59 RCW.  They provide rehabilitative services to individuals suffering physical injury or illness, psychosocial dysfunction, and developmental or learning disabilities.  Currently, the state medical assistance and limited casualty programs reimburse for occupational services provided on an inpatient basis or by a home health agency.  The medical director of DSHS may also authorize outpatient occupational therapy services which are deemed medically necessary.  Other outpatient occupational therapy services are not reimbursed.

SUMMARY:

Reimbursement for outpatient occupational therapy services is authorized under the medical assistance and limited casualty programs.

Appropriation:    $533,000

Fiscal Note:      available

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The appropriation section is stricken.

Senate Committee - Testified: HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS: Senator Moore; Carole Lossing, Washington Association of Occupational Therapists; Ron Kero, DSHS; Dr. Guthrie Turner, DSHS

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  No one