Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1357
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning certificate of need requirements.
Sponsors: Representatives MacEwen, DeBolt and Manweller.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/3/15
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
The certificate of need process evaluates proposals by certain health care providers to expand health care activities and reviews the potential impact of the expansion on a community’s need for the service. A certificate of need from the Department of Health (Department) is required prior to the construction, renovation, or sale of a health care facility; changes in bed capacity; an increase in the number of dialysis stations at a kidney disease treatment center; or the addition of specialized health services. Under the program, the Department reviews the project under specific criteria related to community need, quality of services, financial feasibility, and the impact on health care costs in the community. A facility or service that is subject to the certificate of need program must be approved prior to beginning operations.
A kidney disease treatment center is defined under the certificate of need program as any place for providing services to persons who have end-stage renal disease. There are no state licensing requirements for kidney disease treatment centers, other than to obtain a certificate of need for the establishment of a new kidney disease treatment center, relocation of an existing kidney disease treatment center, or increase in the number of stations at a kidney disease treatment center.
Summary of Bill:
The requirements that kidney disease treatment centers obtain a certificate of need prior to the establishment of a new kidney disease treatment center, relocation of an existing kidney disease treatment center, or increase in the number of dialysis stations at a kidney disease treatment center are eliminated.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.