SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2404

As of February 16, 2004

Title: An act relating to cancer registry information.

Brief Description: Establishing requirements for cancer registry information to be provided to cancer patients.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representative Nixon).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/19/04.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff: Tanya Karwaki (786-7447)

Background: Since 1990, cancer has been a reportable condition in Washington. The Department of Health maintains the Washington State Cancer Registry. The registry collects data related to the identity of cancer patients, their cancer diagnoses, their first course of treatment, their health care providers, and other information that may be required by the United States Centers for Disease Control. Health care facilities, independent clinical laboratories, and principal health care providers are required to report this information.

Data that could lead to the identification of cancer patients, cancer diagnosis or treatment facilities, independent clinical laboratories, or attending health care providers is confidential. The data in the registry is used for statistical, scientific, medical research, and public health purposes and confidential data may only be released for these purposes and subject to specified conditions.

Summary of Bill: Contractors and subcontractors responsible for entering a patient's information into the statewide cancer registry must mail the patient information describing the purpose of the statewide cancer registry program, the collection, use, distribution, and confidentiality of the information, and other information as required by the Department of Health.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2005.