BILL REQ. #:  H-1279.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/12/13.   

     AN ACT Relating to public notification of local health conditions; adding a new section to chapter 43.70 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 70.05 RCW; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 43.70 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) By August 1, 2013, the department shall establish a temporary work group of public health officials, health communication experts, and organizations representing health care providers.
     (2) By December 31, 2013, the temporary work group shall report to the appropriate legislative committees its recommendations for implementing best practices to communicate significant health risks to the public, including special emphasis on vulnerable populations.
     (3) This section expires August 1, 2014.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 70.05 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Each local board of health may adopt a community health alert notification plan that establishes the method by which the local health department, health district, or combined city-county health department keeps the public who reside in its jurisdiction informed of significant health risks to the public.
     (2) If a local board of health adopts a community health alert notification plan, the plan must be made available to the public on the web site of each local public health department, health district, or combined city-county health department.