BILL REQ. #: H-2319.1
| State of Washington | 58th Legislature | 2003 Regular Session |
READ FIRST TIME 03/05/03.
AN ACT Relating to insurance coverage for injuries sustained because of alcohol or narcotic use; adding a new section to chapter 48.20 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 48.21 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 48.44 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 48.46 RCW; creating new sections; and repealing RCW 48.20.272.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1 The legislature finds that an alcohol or
drug-related injury that requires treatment in an emergency department
can be a critical moment in the life of a person with a substance abuse
problem. Studies have demonstrated that appropriate interventions by
hospital staff at these times can reduce substance abuse and lower
future health care costs.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2 A new section is added to chapter 48.20 RCW
to read as follows:
An insurer may not deny coverage for the treatment of an injury
solely because the injury was sustained as a consequence of the
insured's being intoxicated or under the influence of a narcotic.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3 A new section is added to chapter 48.21 RCW
to read as follows:
An insurer may not deny coverage for the treatment of an injury
solely because the injury was sustained as a consequence of the
insured's being intoxicated or under the influence of a narcotic.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4 A new section is added to chapter 48.44 RCW
to read as follows:
A health care service contractor may not deny coverage for the
treatment of an injury solely because the injury was sustained as a
consequence of the enrolled participant's being intoxicated or under
the influence of a narcotic.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 5 A new section is added to chapter 48.46 RCW
to read as follows:
A health maintenance organization may not deny coverage for the
treatment of an injury solely because the injury was sustained as a
consequence of the enrolled participant's being intoxicated or under
the influence of a narcotic.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 6 RCW 48.20.272 (Optional standard provision
No. 23--Intoxicants and narcotics) and 1951 c 229 s 28 are each
repealed.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 7 This act applies to all contracts issued or
renewed on or after the effective date of this act.