| VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1471 |
| May 21, 2013 |
| To the Honorable Speaker and Members, |
| The House of Representatives of the State of Washington |
| Ladies and Gentlemen: |
| I am returning herewith, without my approval as to Section 3, House Bill 1471 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to updating and aligning with federal requirements hospital health care-associated infection rate reporting." |
| This bill requires the Department of Health to update hospital reporting requirements for health care-associated infections to align with nationally recommended measures. These measures add value to the public and advance patient safety. The bill also gives the Department important rule-making authority to stay consistent with federal requirements. |
| However, I am vetoing Section 3 of the bill because Section 3 would make Section 1 expire in 2017. Section 1 makes needed substantive changes that I do not believe should expire, nor was that the intent of the legislature. |
| For these reasons I have vetoed Section 3 of House Bill 1471. With the exception of Section 3, House Bill 1471 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Jay Inslee |
| Governor |