HB 2307 - DIGEST

     Declares that the purpose of this act is to ensure that health plan patients:  (1) Have improved access to information regarding their health plans;

     (2) have access to a quick and impartial grievance process;

     (3) are protected from unnecessary invasions of health care privacy;

     (4) are assured that personal health care information will be used only as necessary to obtain and pay for health care or to improve the quality of care; and

     (5) have access to an emergency health plan.

     Declares that, effective January 1, 2000, this act applies to:  Health plans offered, renewed, or issued by a carrier; medical assistance provided under RCW 74.09.522; the basic health plan offered under chapter 70.47 RCW; and public employee health benefits provided under chapter 41.05 RCW.