FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2788

C 184 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Establishing priority for funds in the liability insurance program for retired primary care providers volunteering to serve low-income patients.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Kessler, Schual-Berke, Cody, Morrell, Clibborn, Campbell, Moeller, Darneille, Buck and Kagi).

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:

The Department of Health administers a program to purchase malpractice insurance for certain retired primary health care providers who volunteer their services at community clinics. In order to qualify, the provider must be a physician, naturopath, physician assistant, advanced registered nurse practitioner, dentist, or other health care provider whose profession is determined to be in short supply. Providers may only perform primary health care services which are limited to noninvasive procedures. Providers may not perform any obstetrical care or specialized care and procedures. Participating providers must practice at community clinics that are public or private nonprofit organizations.

Summary:

The requirement that the Department of Health's retired primary care provider liability insurance purchasing program be available only to volunteers at public or private nonprofit community clinics is broadened to include any clinic serving low-income patients that is a public entity, private nonprofit corporation, or other established practice setting as defined by the Department of Health. If program funding does not cover all applicants, priority is given to providers practicing at public or nonprofit entities.

The definition of a primary care provider is broadened to include specialists practicing in a primary care capacity.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 88  10

Senate 49  0

Effective: June 10, 2004