SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5377

BYSenators Wojahn, Kiskaddon, Stratton, Deccio and Johnson

Creating a department of public health and environment.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 3, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5377 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Don Sloma (786-7414)

                  February 4, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS, FEBRUARY 3, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The purpose of this bill is to establish the Department of Public Health and Environment by consolidating all the current functions of the Department of Ecology (DOE) and certain public health functions of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

In its 1986 report to the Legislature, the Joint Select Committee on Public Health included among its recommendations the establishment of a new agency that consolidates all present functions of the Department of Ecology and certain public health functions of the Department of Social and Health Services.  The focus of this recommendation was to eliminate duplication of effort between the two agencies in the area of environmental health and to place public health at a more visible level in state government.

SUMMARY:

All existing functions of DOE and certain public health functions of DSHS are consolidated into one agency, the Department of Public Health and Environment.

The position of state health officer is created.  The state health officer is appointed by the Secretary of Public Health and Environment.  (Present law designates the Secretary of Social and Health Services as the state health officer.  However, operationally this position has been assumed by the Director of the Division of Health within DSHS.)

Environmental health services are consolidated within the new agency.

A unit responsible for vital records and other health information is created within the new agency.

The Secretary of Public Health and Environment is required to report to the Legislature in January 1989 with an agency organizational plan and proposals for public health planning and informational systems.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Certain parent and child health services are transferred from DSHS to the Department of Public Health and Environment.  These services include maternal and infant health; women, infant and children's services; and family planning.  Certification of abortion facilities is also transferred from DSHS to the Department of Public Health and Environment.  Duplicative language regarding the appointment of a state health officer is deleted.  The Office of Financial Management is directed to develop a transition plan to assure that no new administrative costs are incurred through the creation of the new department.  OFM is directed to report to the Legislature in December 1988 on the implementation of the transition plan.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Effective Date:July 1, 1987

Senate Committee - Testified: Robert G. Attwood, Yakima and Kittitas County Health Department; Kristin Karns, Kittitas County Health Department; John Thayer, Washington State Environmental Health Directors; Ed Larsen, Washington State Medical Association