HB 1688 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Finds that: (1) Since the enactment of certificate of need legislation in 1979, the development of new health care technologies has resulted in significant advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, and has enabled substantial expansion of sites where complex care and surgery can be performed;

(2) New technologies drive substantial health care expenditures. Yet, evidence related to their effectiveness is not routinely or systematically considered in decision making regarding adoption of new technologies. The principles of evidence-based medicine call for comprehensive review of data and studies related to a particular health care service or device, with emphasis given to high quality, objective studies. Findings regarding the effectiveness of these health services or devices are then applied to increase the likelihood that they will be used appropriately;

(3) The standards governing whether a certificate of need should be granted in RCW 70.38.115 focus largely on broad concepts of access to and availability of health services, with only limited consideration of cost-effectiveness. The standards governing whether bonds should be issued to finance development and acquisition of health care facilities and equipment in RCW 70.37.050 are limited to broad concepts of need and feasibility; and

(4) The certificate of need statute and the health care facilities authority bonding program statute should be reexamined and updated to reflect changes in health care delivery and financing since their enactment.

Creates a task force to study and prepare recommendations to the governor and the legislature related to improving and updating the certificate of need program in chapter 70.38 RCW, and the health care facilities bonding program administered by the health care facilities authority in chapter 70.37 RCW. The report must be submitted to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature by October 1, 2006.

Provides that the department may not issue a certificate of need for any application that was submitted on or after January 1, 2005. This moratorium on the issuance of certificates of need remains in effect until January 1, 2007.

Expires January 1, 2007.

Provides that the authority may not issue bonds for any request submitted on or after January 1, 2005. This moratorium on the issuance of bonds remains in effect until January 1, 2007.

Expires January 1, 2007.