SB 5346-S - DIGEST
(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Finds that: (1) The health care system in the nation and in Washington state costs nearly twice as much per capita as other industrialized nations; and

(2) The fragmentation and variation in administrative processes prevalent in our health care system contribute to the high cost of health care, putting it increasingly beyond the reach of small businesses and individuals in Washington.

Declares an intent to: (1) Establish streamlined and uniform procedures for payors and providers of health care services in the state; and

(2) Foster a continuous quality improvement cycle to simplify health care administration.

     Directs the department of social and health services, the health care authority, and, to the extent permissible under Title 51 RCW, the department of labor and industries to cooperate with the insurance commissioner and adopt the processes, guidelines, and standards to streamline health care administration pursuant to the act.

Directs the insurance commissioner to designate one or more lead organizations to coordinate development of processes, guidelines, and standards to streamline health care administration and to be adopted by payors and providers of health care services operating in the state.