SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1709

BYRepresentatives O'Brien, Patrick, R. King and Sayan; by request of Department of Labor and Industries

Revising provisions for medical aid purchase of health care goods and services.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 28, 1989; March 29, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; McMullen, Murray, Saling, Smitherman, Warnke, West, Williams.

Senate Staff:David Cheal (786-7576)

                  March 29, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, MARCH 29, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Labor and Industries is authorized to enter into volume-based contracts for health care services.  Bidding for these contracts may require a business to disclose confidential commercial information. Under the public records law, the confidential information provided to a public agency is not generally protected from public disclosure.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor and Industries' authority to contract for health care goods and services is not limited to volume-based contracts.  Upon request of a contractor, the department is required to keep financial and valuable trade information confidential.  The information is not subject to public inspection and copying under the public disclosure law.

Appropriation:    $300,000 from the medical aid fund to the Department of Labor and Industries.

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Taylor Dennen, (pro)