SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5508
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 February 8, 2011
Title: An act relating to continuation of the joint legislative select committee on health reform implementation.
Brief Description: Reauthorizing the joint legislative select committee on health reform implementation.
Sponsors: Senators Parlette, Keiser, Becker, Murray, Zarelli, Hewitt, Kilmer and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/03/11, 2/07/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Staff: Mich'l Needham (786-7442)
Background: The 2010 Legislature created the Joint Legislative Select Committee on Health Reform Implementation (JSC) to allow review and discussion of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), which was passed in March 2010. PPACA includes a number of provisions that must be developed and implemented by states.
The JSC was co-chaired by the chairs of the health committees in the Senate and House of Representatives, with two additional members from each caucus. The JSC formed advisory committees to focus on specific topic areas, including health care workforce development, insurance changes and the insurance exchange, and low-income coverage issues.
The legislation creating the JSC expires June 30, 2011.
Summary of Bill: The JSC is reauthorized and extended to June 30, 2012. The reauthorized JSC has co-chairs comprised of the chairs of the health committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, and two additional members from each caucus. In addition, the Governor appoints one person to serve on the committee. The co-chairs may direct the continuation of the existing advisory groups, form new groups, and invite interested stakeholders and additional experts to advise the committee.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: Yes.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Continue the Joint Select Committee, it provided a good bipartisan venue for the discussion. The committee is a better forum for the discussion than the Exchange Board would provide, with broader representation of different view points.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Misha Werschkul, SEIU; Jennifer Alan, Healthy Washington Coalition; Sofia Aragon, Washington State Nurses Association; Mike Tucker, AARP; Teresa Mosqueda, Washington State Labor Council; David Knutson, United Health Care; Chris Bandoli, Regence Blue Shield; Patrick Connor, National Federation for Independent Business.