HB 1817-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Directs the department of corrections to consult with the state health care authority to develop a working plan to correspond to the health care reform measures adopted during the session.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1817-S

                   May 18, 1993

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,

  The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 2, Substitute House Bill 1817, entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to the department of corrections health care costs;"

     Section 2 of this bill directs the Department of Corrections to conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of its offender health care system.  The department provides health care to roughly 10,400 clients in a large decentralized institutional system comprised of 16 separate facilities.  A study of this depth would certainly produce valuable information, but without additional funding it will be impossible to meet the December 1993 deadline.

     I fully expect the Department of Corrections to be an active participant in health care reform.  Consistent with sections 1 and 3 of this act, and health care reform legislation, I am directing the Department of Corrections to review the inmate health care system and take steps to reduce health care expenditures.  Additionally, the department will develop a plan to improve and make more cost effective the health care delivery system of our state prison system, and implement the provisions of health care reform.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed section 2 of Substitute House Bill 1817.

     With the exception of section 2, Substitute House Bill 1817 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor