SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5340

BYSenators Stratton and Wojahn; by request of Department of Social and Health Services

Changing provisions relating to public health fees.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5340 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  February 5, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS, FEBRUARY 4, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In 1957 the Legislature required that food and beverage service workers obtain food handler permits.  A statutory fee of $2 was established and the permit was made valid for two years.  Food handlers working in temporary establishments were exempted from the permit requirement.  Fees have been used by local health authorities to provide training in food preparation and handling.

Present statute sets a $6 fee for a certified copy of a vital record.  A fee of $3 per hour is authorized for any search of files and records when no certified copy is made.  Existing fees do not support the entire cost of the vital records program.

DSHS currently has no statutory authority to regulate the disclosure of vital records and ensure that confidentiality is maintained.

SUMMARY:

Fees which local health departments may charge for food handler permits are to be set by the state board of health.  Initial permits are valid for two years, renewed permits for five years.  Operators of temporary food establishments (operating less than 21 days) are required to obtain permits before food operations begin.

The proposal increases fees for certified copies of vital records from $6 to $10.  The fee to conduct searches of vital records is increased from $3 per hour to a flat fee of $8.  A new $10 fee is established for information provided from vital records for research, statistical and administrative purposes.  DSHS will also set fees by rule for preparing and opening sealed files. 

DSHS is granted statutory authority to regulate the disclosure of information contained in vital records for research purposes.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

A fee of up to $11 is charged for certified copies of vital records, and a fee of up to $8 shall be charged for conducting a search of the vital records.  A fee of $4 is charged for additional copies of a certified vital record, if such copies are requested at the same time as the initial copy.  The portion of fees for certified copies which are dedicated to the death investigation fund is increased to $3 per certified copy.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Robert Atwood, Yakima Health Department; Jim Gouche, WACO; John Thayer, Washington State Environmental Health Directors; Ann Foster, DSHS; Charles Barthleson, DSHS; Bob Rolfs, DSHS