SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1837

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Health & Long-Term Care, March 25, 2003

Title: An act relating to providing flexibility for fire protection districts.

Brief Description: Authorizing certain fire protection districts to establish health clinic services.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Linville, Cody, Haigh, Schual-Berke, Santos, Morrell, Veloria and Chase).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/25/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.

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

Staff: Tanya Karwaki (786-7447)

Background: Fire protection districts provide fire prevention services, fire suppression services, emergency and medical services.

Point Roberts, Washington is bounded on three sides by water and shares a common border with Canada. While part of Whatcom County, residents must cross two international borders to seek medical care in Bellingham. A group of local citizens attempted to open a health clinic in conjunction with the local fire protection district but there is concern that the fire protection district lacks the statutory authority to assist with the operation of a health clinic.

Summary of Bill: Fire protection districts that share a common border with Canada and are surrounded on three sides by water may establish or participate in providing health clinic services.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: This bill does not place requirements on fire protection districts. Rather, it permits the formation of partnerships so that residents can access basic health care.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Representative Linville, prime sponsor (pro).