HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5099

As Reported by House Committee On:

Health Care

Title:  An act relating to the designation of licensed dental directors by carriers offering dental only coverage.

Brief Description:  Designating medical directors.

Sponsors:  By Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Winsley and Thibaudeau).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care:  3/20/01, 3/23/01 [DP].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

$Health carriers that offer dental only coverage must designate a licensed dentist as dental director.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Campbell, Republican Co‑Chair; Cody, Democratic Co‑Chair; Schual‑Berke, Democratic Vice Chair; Skinner, Republican Vice Chair; Alexander, Ballasiotes, Darneille, Edmonds, Edwards, Marine, McMorris, Pennington and Ruderman.

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786‑7146).

Background:

The Patient Bill of Rights requires health carriers to designate a medical director licensed to practice in this state.  Health carriers that offer dental only coverage to the public are not required to have a medical director licensed as a dentist in Washington.

Summary of  Bill:

Health carriers that offer dental only coverage must designate a dental director who is licensed as a dentist in Washington

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Medical directors for health carriers that offer dental only coverage should be licensed dentists.  This will protect consumers.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Winsley, prime sponsor.