5854‑S AMH HC HAGE 3

SSB 5854 ‑ H COMM AMD ADOPTED 4/10/95

By Committee on Health Care

     Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

     "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to Title 48 RCW to read as follows:

     (1) Health carriers, including disability insurers regulated under chapter 48.20 or 48.21 RCW, health care service contractors as defined in RCW 48.44.010, health maintenance organizations as defined in RCW 48.46.020, and insuring entities regulated under chapter 48.43 RCW, as amended, shall ensure that enrolled female patients have access to timely and appropriate covered women's health services.

     (2) Consistent with scope of practice, providers of women's health services under this act shall include, but not be limited to, the following:  Obstetrician/gynecologists and family practitioners licensed pursuant to chapters 18.57 and 18.71 RCW; physician assistants who specialize in women's health services licensed pursuant to chapters 18.57A and 18.71A RCW; and advanced registered nurse practitioner specialists in women's health and certified nurse midwives licensed pursuant to chapter 18.79 RCW.

     (3) Health carriers may underwrite separate or additional  coverage permitting an enrollee to access a provider of the patient's choice for women's health services without referral from another health care provider."

Correct the title accordingly.

EFFECT:  Deletes intent section, designation of obstetrical/gynecological services as primary care, and reference to OB/GYN accreditation.  Requires carriers to  ensure that enrolled female patients have access to timely and appropriate women's health services of the patient's choice.  Defines women's health service provider to include, but not be limited to, obstetrician/gynecologists, family practitioners physician assistants, nurse practitioners and  nurse midwives, consistent with scope of practice. Permits carriers to underwrite specific self-referral coverage.