SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5849

BYSenators Newhouse, Kreidler and West

Permitting persons on stretchers to be transported on vehicles other than ambulances.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 1, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5849 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Don Sloma (786-7414)

                  March 1, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, MARCH 1, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Current law prohibits transporting persons on stretchers in vehicles other than ambulances.

SUMMARY:

Persons on stretchers who do not require medical attention en route may be transported in vehicles other than ambulances.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

When a physician or osteopath has prescribed that a person on a stretcher may need medical assistance en route, they must be transported in ambulances.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: James Dallas, DSHS Health Division (con); Steve Hubbard, Washington Ambulance Association (con); Brad W. Bergener, MedStar Cabulance Service (pro); Susie Tracy, WSMA (con); Dr. Lothar Pinkers, WSMA (con); MaryLynne Bergener, MedStar Ambulance (pro); Dr. Wm. J. Schenker (pro)