SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1488
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of March 7, 2011
Title: An act relating to updating the authority of the state board of health.
Brief Description: Updating the authority of the state board of health.
Sponsors: Representatives Jinkins, Schmick, Cody, Hinkle, Moeller and Roberts; by request of Board of Health.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/14/11, 93-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/09/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786-7465)
Background: The Washington State Board of Health (BOH) is established as a public forum to develop public health policy. The BOH recommends to the state Department of Health ways to obtain appropriate citizen involvement in all public health policy formulation. While the BOH does not have any enforcement authority, it is responsible for adopting rules on key public health issues including drinking water quality, waste disposal health hazards and nuisances, disease prevention and control, public facility cleanliness, isolation and quarantine. In addition, the BOH prepares a biennial state Public Health Report that assesses the state's health status and outlines priority health goals.
Summary of Bill: The requirement that the BOH convene regional forums to gather citizen input on public health issues is removed. The requirement that the BOH prepare the state Public Health Report every two years is eliminated.
The BOH's authority to adopt rules related to solid and liquid waste, and standards and procedures for design, construction, and operation of solid waste collection, treatment, and disposal facilities is limited to rules and standards regarding the disposal of human and animal excreta and animal remains.
The BOH's authority to adopt rules controlling public health as related to environmental conditions in institutions and places of work is eliminated.
A reference to the Department of Social and Health Services as the entity responsible for adopting rules necessary to allow the state to participate in federal public health programs is changed to the Department of Health and the BOH.
The requirement that the BOH approve all contracts of local health departments that involve the sale or purchase of health services is eliminated.
The BOH's responsibilities are repealed as they relate to:
providing grant-in-aid to local health jurisdictions to assist with the cost of general operations;
redistributing federal funding to promote the hygiene and welfare of maternity and infancy; and
adopting rules providing services to disabled children.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.