Title: An act relating to developing a worksite health promotion program among state agencies.

Brief Description: Developing a worksite health promotion program among state agencies.

Sponsors: Senators Brown, Swecker, Fraser, Kohl-Welles and Franklin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/23/05, 2/28/05 [DPS-WM, w/oRec].

Ways & Means: 3/4/05.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5751 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Thibaudeau, Vice Chair; Benson, Franklin, Kastama, Kline and Poulsen.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senators Brandland and Parlette.

Staff: Stephanie Yurcisin (786-7438)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff: Erik Sund (786-7454)

Background: The state of Washington incurs significant costs due to the poor health of some of its employees. While employees' individual lifestyle choices contribute to their health status and health care costs, employers can promote self-care and consumer engagement in health care decision making by providing relevant information and motivation.

Worksite health promotion plans encouraging increased physical activity, better nutrition, weight consciousness, stress management, and not smoking, are intended to result in a healthier workforce with higher productivity and lower medical costs.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The Health Care Authority (HCA) is directed to create a worksite health promotion program to promote improved awareness of health issues increase state employee involvement in health care decision making.

In developing the program, the HCA is directed to work with the Department of Personnel, the Department of Health, health plans participating in public employees' benefit board programs, and the University of Washington's center for health promotion to identify and implement effective worksite health promotion programs and activities. The program is to be coordinated with the Department of Health's nutrition and physical activity program.

As part the program the HCA is directed to develop performance measurements facilitate the collection of data to allow evaluation of the program's effectiveness. The HCA will report on progress to the legislature and Governor by December 1, 2006.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The substitute bill adds health care providers who contract with the Public Employees Benefits Board to the list of parties that the HCA is to work with in developing the worksite health promotion program.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: These techniques are already being used with great success in the private sector. Some companies even have consultants help them tailor their programs to their specific workforce. Employers should be responsive to the health needs of their employees.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Senator Lisa Brown, prime sponsor; Ken Bertrand, Group Health Cooperative.