SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 6124

BYSenate Committee on Health Care & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Deccio, Johnson and Smith)

Providing technical and financial assistance to assist in the delivery of rural health care systems.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 12, 1988; January 27, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6124 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Deccio, Chairman; Johnson, Vice Chairman; Kreidler, Niemi, Smith, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  March 3, 1988

House Committe on Health Care

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 10, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Demographic, economic, and financial changes occurring within the health care industry and within rural communities greatly affect the viability of all rural health care providers.  These health care providers ensure access to and the availability of preventative, primary, maintenance and emergency care services to residents and tourists in rural areas.  The problems faced by rural health care providers include erratic fluctuations or general decline in rural economies, the aging rural population, older physical plants, and the lack of health care professionals.

Rural communities need to consider restructuring the delivery of health care services to meet the changing demand and to insure the continued availability and accessibility of appropriate community-based care.  Government regulations and standards, and lack of financing for rural health care facilities are inhibiting the development of innovative and cost effective ways to deliver health care services in rural areas.

Three areas of state assistance are needed to help rural communities respond to these changes.  These are technical assistance, easing regulatory restrictions and enhancing the ability of rural communities to match services with health care needs.  In addition, better coordination among regional and local health service authorities can ensure that needed health care services in rural areas are identified and met cost efficiently.

SUMMARY:

The Washington Rural Health Commission is created to develop legislative recommendations on current rural health issues.  Legislative and public members are designated.  Legislative members include the Chairs and ranking minority members of the Senate and House Health Care Committees. 

The Commission is directed to review existing statutes and regulations governing operation of health facilities, examine models of rural health delivery developed in other states to identify innovative approaches, and establish proposed standards for an alternative rural health facility licensure model.

A report with the Commission recommendations is to be submitted to the Legislature by December 1, 1988. The Commission expires on December 31, 1988.

The Departments of Community Development, Trade and Economic Development and Employment Security are directed to address the viability of the health care industry as an important part of the rural economy.  The technical and financial assistance programs offered by these agencies are to be used to assist rural communities improve the delivery of health care.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is to consult with the three other agencies to coordinate the delivery of technical and assistance activities authorized by this act.  The State Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) is to serve as a clearinghouse of information on the availability of technical and financial assistance programs offered by the three agencies.

Hospital districts, health districts and emergency medical service regions are encouraged to coordinate in planning and delivering health care services.  They are similarly encouraged to coordinate with other county social service agencies.

DSHS is directed to develop information on Medicare facility options eligible for reimbursement, including requirements and procedures for acquiring certification.

The agencies affected by the proposal are expected to use existing staff and reserves to carry out its provisions.

Appropriation:    $25,000 to the Washington Rural Health Commission

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 6, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: John Anderson, Washington Task Force on Rural Health; Charlotte Hardt, Washington Task Force on Rural Health; Leah Layne, Washington Task Force on Rural Health; Dan Rubin, DSHS/SHCC; Ken Lewis, DSHS; Ed Gray, WSMA; Meg Van Schrool, Department of Community Development; Jeff Mero, WSHA

HOUSE AMENDMENTS:

The provision is deleted which requires the Department of Community Development, Trade and Economic Development and Employment Security to provide technical assistance to rural communities for the purposes of improving the delivery of health care.  The provisions encouraging coordination among hospital districts, health districts and emergency medical service regions are also deleted.  The $25,000 appropriation to conduct the study is removed.