Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Health Care Committee

SSB 5679

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 Summary of Substitute Bill

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

Hearing Date:  3/27/01

Staff:  Antonio Sanchez (786‑7383).

Background: 

The AIDS Omnibus Act of 1988 established a state-wide 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 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.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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