BILL REQ. #:  S-1055.1 

Read first time 02/01/13.   Referred to Committee on Health Care .

     AN ACT Relating to transparency, accountability, and affordability in the provision of essential health care services; and adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 48.43 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The legislature finds that when consumers and purchasers have quality information that is easily accessible, they are better able to weigh their health care choices and make sound purchasing and usage decisions. The legislature further finds there is significant variance in whether consumers and purchasers have access to information regarding the cost, quality, and overall value of treatment options. The legislature finds that with the implementation of the federal affordable care act, the health care marketplace will be expanding on multiple levels, bringing the emergence of additional health plans into the state. The legislature intends to be proactive in promoting greater levels of transparency, accountability, and affordability for consumers when implementing health care reform.
     (2) The office of the insurance commissioner and the department of health shall communicate with health plans, health care facilities, providers, and other entities as appropriate to identify, and brief the legislature regarding, current and emerging practices in the health care industry that show promise in advancing one or more of the following goals:
     (a) Promoting transparency for consumers and purchasers about cost-efficient and efficacious health care services;
     (b) Improving accountability in the provision of health care coverage relative to health promotion, disease prevention, and the amelioration or cure of illness; and
     (c) Advancing the affordability of comprehensive, integrated, and community-based health care delivery systems supported by cooperative activities among health care providers and facilities.
     (3) The briefing required under this section shall be provided by January 15, 2014, and each year thereafter. The briefing may include recommendations for statutory changes that would support implementation of promising practices aimed at achieving the goals.