HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5679

As Reported by House Committee On:

Health Care

Title:  An act relating to the HIV/AIDS prevention study committee.

Brief Description:  Creating the HIV/AIDS prevention study committee.

Sponsors:  By Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Thibaudeau, Deccio, Franklin and Kohl‑Welles).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care:  3/27/01, 3/29/01 [DPA].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

(As Amended by House Committee)

$A committee of 13 people is created to review state programs and funding for programs seeking to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. Signed by 14 members: Representatives Campbell, Republican Co‑Chair; Cody, Democratic Co‑Chair; Schual‑Berke, Democratic Vice Chair; Skinner, Republican Vice Chair; Alexander, Ballasiotes, Conway, Darneille, Edmonds, Edwards, Marine, McMorris, Pennington and Ruderman.

Staff:  Antonio Sanchez (786‑7383).

Background:

The AIDS Omnibus Act of 1988 established a statewide service delivery system to address the prevention and treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).  Services are planned and delivered through a series of local networks.  The largest local health department is responsible for planning and administration of each network.

The Department of Health has noted that the transmission and spread of the AIDS virus has significantly changed over the past 10 years and there is increasing interest in developing new prevention and funding strategies that will reflect this new public health environment.

Summary of  Amended Bill:

An HIV/AIDS Prevention Study Committee is established.  The committee shall consist of 13 members, including three local public health members, one member from the state Board of Health, four public members, three representing community-based organizations, and one person living with HIV/AIDS.  The state health officer chairs the committee.  The committee  reviews current prevention strategies and analyzes current funding streams.  The department is required to provide the supplies, staffing, and coordination for the committee.  The committee is directed to submit a report of its findings and propose specific recommendations to update current state AIDS policies by January, 2002.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:

The HIV/AIDS Prevention Study Committee is terminated January 31, 2002.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date of Amended Bill:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  There have been significant changes in who is getting AIDS and HIV and new strategies are necessary to better address this.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Thibaudeau, prime sponsor; Joel Hastings, Lifelong AIDS Alliance; and Patty Hayes, Department of Health.