SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6442

BYSenators Deccio and Wojahn

Excluding comprehensive cancer center programs and facilities from certificate of need requirements.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 28, 1988; February 5, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6442 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  March 8, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, FEBRUARY 5, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Certificate of Need is a health care service and facility regulatory program administered by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).  The program controls the availability of certain health care services and facilities by restricting supply. 

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC) in Seattle is the state's only cancer research center.  FHCRC provides patient care as part of the research mission and operates 71 beds, with 20 of the beds located at the center and the remaining 51 beds located at Swedish Hospital.  The center operates under the administrative umbrella of the Swedish Hospital and its beds are licensed by the state through the hospital. Because of space limitations the center is considering seeking a larger facility to consolidate all its inpatient beds.

Law requires FHCRC to obtain a new certificate of need to consolidate its 71 inpatient beds within a single facility.  Without a certificate of need constraint, the FHCRC would be more free to carefully evaluate site alternatives without the possibility of eventual denial after a long and expensive review process.

SUMMARY:

Comprehensive cancer center programs, facilities, equipment, and beds intended for cancer research and treatment are exempt from certificate of need requirements.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Exempted from certificate of need requirements are comprehensive cancer center programs, facilities, equipment and dedicated beds.  The cancer research center must be recognized by the National Cancer Advisory Board.  The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle is the only cancer research facility in Washington recognized by the National Cancer Advisory Board.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Mike Ryherd, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (for); Greg Bennett, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (for); Frank Chesnut; Dan Olson