SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6584

As Passed Senate, February 15, 2002

Title:  An act relating to syphilis laboratory tests.

Brief Description:  Authorizing the department of health to establish a fee for syphilis laboratory tests.

Sponsors:  Senators Thibaudeau and Deccio; by request of Department of Health.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  1/31/02, 2/6/02 [DP].

Passed Senate:  2/15/02, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Thibaudeau, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Costa, Deccio, Fraser, Parlette and Winsley.

Staff:  Rhoda Donkin (786‑7198)

Background:  Currently the state is required to provide a standard serological test for syphilis, free of charge, to any physician or health care facility requesting it.  Screening for syphilis, a bacterial venereal disease, is mandatory as  part of  prenatal exams.  There are currently fewer than 100 active cases of syphilis in the state.     

Summary of Bill:  The State Department of  Health is authorized to charge private physicians a fee for syphilis lab tests. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This is not an overly burdensome way of recovering some state costs.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Patty Hayes, DOH (pro).