Brief Description: Providing the secretary of health with authority to administer grants.

Sponsors: Representatives Moeller, Hinkle, Cody, Morrell, Skinner, Campbell, Clibborn, Schual-Berke and Kenney; by request of Department of Health.

Hearing Date: 2/18/05

Staff: Molly Belozer (786-7104).

Background:

The purposes of the Department of Health (Department) include the preservation of public health, the monitoring of health care costs, the maintenance of minimal standards for quality in health care delivery, and the general oversight and planning for the state's activities as they relate to health. The Secretary of Health has the authority to:
   1.   appoint advisory committees;
   2.   undertake studies, research, and analysis;
   3.   delegate powers, duties, and functions to Department employees;
   4.   enter into contracts on behalf of the Department;
   5.   act for the State in the initiation of, or participation in, any intergovernmental program; and
   6.   solicit and accept gifts, grants, bequests, devises, or other funds from public and private sources.
            
The Office of Financial Management (OFM) has a policy of requiring open competition for all personal service contracts over $20,000 entered into by state agencies. The Department is involved with many contracts defined as personal service contracts over $20,000 that are subject to formal competition under OFM guidelines.

Summary of Bill:

In addition to her contracting authority, the Secretary of Health is given the authority to enter into and distribute grants on behalf of the Department to carry out the purposes of the Department.

The Department is responsible for the efficient and accountable expenditure of public funds on health activities that further the mission of the agency via grants, contracts, and other legal mechanisms.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.