SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6126

BYSenators Deccio and Johnson

Encouraging coordination among regional health care providers.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 12, 1988

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

AS OF JANUARY 13, 1988

BACKGROUND:

State statutes authorize numerous regional and local bodies to plan and deliver health care services.  These are hospital districts (Chapter 70.44 RCW), health districts (Chapter 70.46), emergency medical service regions (Chapter 18.73) and other local social service authorities.  Each authority was created to address a specific health need and current statutes do not require or encourage any formal coordination in common service areas.  The matter is further complicated because the current financing of these and other special purpose districts require they compete for limited tax dollars.

Better coordination among the statutory authorities can facilitate more effective efforts to identify and meet health care needs.

SUMMARY:

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.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested