SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5074

As of January 15, 2002

Title:  An act relating to the women's health advisory committee.

Brief Description:  Creating the women's health advisory committee.

Sponsors:  Senators Kohl‑Welles, Winsley, Costa, Thibaudeau, Fairley, Eide, Franklin, Rasmussen, Prentice and McAuliffe.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  1/24/01, 2/27/01 [DPS]; 1/17/02.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Staff:  Rhoda Donkin (786‑7198)

Background:  According to a 2001 report issued by the National Women's Law Center, most health improvement goals for women set a decade ago by states across the country have not been met.  The report, entitled Making the Grade on Women's Health, identifies aspects of  women's health which are compromised due to a lack of appropriate access to care for such diseases as diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease, and a shortage of basic services for prenatal care.

The report also issues a "report card" evaluating states on women's health indicators,  including access to care, wellness and prevention programs, prevalence of  specific health conditions.  The report card ranked Washington State among the best in the country in  addressing women's health issues, but still unsatisfactory in reaching health goals and improving women's health overall.

Currently the Department of Health has several separately funded programs which are focused on women's health.  These include Family Planning, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, HIV/AIDS, Breast and Cervical Health, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health, Tobacco and Nutrition.  The department has also organized the Women's Health Resource Network, an informal group which meets regularly and oversees programs and policies in the state related to women's health issues.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The Women's Health Advisory Committee is created.  The committee is composed of 15 members to be appointed by the Governor.  The committee is instructed to advise the Department of Health in the development and coordination of policies and programs relating to women's health.  This includes advising the Department of Health with regard to strategic planning, policy analysis, pilot projects, information dispersal, identification of new funding sources, and innovative responses to women's health needs.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The original bill was not considered.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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