SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6587

As Passed Senate, February 14, 2002

Title:  An act relating to eye banks.

Brief Description:  Repealing state regulation of eye banks.

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:  2/14/02, 46-0.

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:  Tanya Karwaki (786‑7447)

Background:  Eye banks provide services for collecting and harvesting eye tissue.  Washington has one eye bank licensed by the state to provide corneal tissue for transplantation.  This eye bank is also regulated by the federal government.

The Department of Health has identified the regulation of the corneal eye bank as a potential  budget reduction in compliance with the Governor's proposed budget.

Summary of Bill:  RCW 68.50.630, requiring state regulation of eye banks, is repealed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  The eye bank currently licensed by the state has been a problem-free facility and industry.  The state has received no complaints regarding this facility nor has the state issued the facility a significant citation.  The eye bank is also regulated by the Food and Drug Administration which has extensive knowledge and expertise in this area.  Overall, the return from state regulation of this facility is slight when compared to the cost.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Gary Bennett, Department of Health (pro).