FINAL BILL REPORT

2SSB 5378

                                  C 276 L 88

BYSenate Committee on Health Care & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Wojahn and Kreidler)

Licensing laboratories conducting prenatal test.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections and Committee on Ways & Means

House Committe on Health Care

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Scientific advancements in the area of genetic diagnosis have resulted in the development of prenatal tests for identifying congenital and heritable disorders.  Some tests now available require substantial quality control measures in order to assure accuracy.  Counseling for both physicians and patients is often necessary to fully understand test results and options available to address problems identified by the tests.  One example of these tests is the maternal serum alpha-feto protein (AFP) screening test.  State mandated quality control standards for laboratories performing these tests do not exist. 

SUMMARY:

A data reporting program is created for laboratories performing prenatal tests.  The program is established in the Department of Social and Health Service (DSHS).  The Board of Health is directed to review prenatal tests and recommend which shall be included in the data reporting program.  DSHS shall enumerate these tests in rule.  An advisory committee is formed to assist the department in the development of laboratory reporting rules.  All persons licensed to provide prenatal care in the state are directed to provide information about the use and availability of prenatal tests to pregnant women within time limits prescribed by DSHS.

Effective January 1, 1990, every group disability contract, health care services contract and health maintenance organization agreement covering hospital, medical or surgical expenses and which provide pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions to enrollees shall offer benefits for prenatal diagnosis of congenital disorders if such services are deemed necessary by the insurance contractor or health maintenance organization in accordance with standards set in rule by the board.

Group health and disability insurance contractors or health maintenance organizations may not cancel, reduce, limit or otherwise alter or change insurance coverage as a result of the outcome of any prenatal test.

The laboratory reporting program shall expire on June 30, 1993, unless extended for an additional period of time.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    41     8

      House 92   1 (House amended)

      Senate    38     6 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988

            December 31, 1989 (Section 5)