HOUSE BILL REPORT

2ESSB 5291

As Reported by House Committee On:

Health Care

Title:  An act relating to immunizations at long‑term care facilities.

Brief Description:  Requiring certain immunizations of staff and residents of long‑term care facilities.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Costa, Winsley, Franklin and Fraser).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care:  2/26/02, 2/28/02 [DPA].

Brief Summary of Second Engrossed Substitute Bill

(As Amended by House Committee)

$Long-term care facilities are required to offer access to immunizations to all residents and staff annually.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Schual‑Berke, Vice Chair; Campbell, Ranking Minority Member; Ballasiotes, Conway, Darneille, Edwards, Ruderman and Skinner.

Minority Report:  Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Alexander and Benson.

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786‑7146).

Background:

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend all persons 65 and older, and others in high risk groups be immunized annually for influenza and pneumococcal disease.  Several states require residents of nursing homes and other long‑term care facilities be offered immunization for these illnesses.

Summary of Amended Bill:

Nursing homes are required to offer access  to immunizations for pneumococcal disease and influenza to all residents on an annual basis.  The vaccinations may be offered on‑site or elsewhere.  Long‑term care facilities are required to inform residents verbally and in writing of the benefits of these vaccinations.

Amended Bill Compared to Second Engrossed Substitute Bill:

The provisions of the bill are limited to nursing home residents.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  Residents and employees of long-term care facilities would benefit from immunizations.

Testimony Against:  This legislation is unnecessary because the Department of Social and Health Services currently provides information to long-term care facilities on the benefits of, and need for, immunizations.

Testified:  (In support) Ron Shafer, Washington State Pharmacists= Association; and Dr. Les Barnett, Pro-West.

(Oppose) Harrry Steinmatz, Washington Association of Housing Services for the Aging; and Audrey Woodin, Washington State Residential Care Council.

(Need amendments) Pat Lashway, Department of Social and Health Services.