5588-S AMS JOHN GORR 009

SSB 5588 - S AMD - 152

    By Senator Johnson

    On page 1, at the beginning of line 5, strike all material through "RCW." on line 15.

    On page 2, line 5, strike ", except as provided in section 1 of this act,"

    On page 3, after line 5, insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3.  A new section is added to chapter 48.44 RCW to read as follows:

    The legislature finds that the practices covered by this chapter are matters vitally affecting the public interest for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW.  A violation of this chapter is not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business and is an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4.  A new section is added to chapter 48.46 RCW to read as follows:

    The legislature finds that the practices covered by this chapter are matters vitally affecting the public interest for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW.  A violation of this chapter is not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business and is an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW."

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EFFECT: Clarifies that violations of health care service contractor laws and HMO laws are a violation of the Consumer Protection Act.