Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 2332
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: Removing an expiration date concerning the filing and public disclosure of health care provider compensation.
Sponsors: Representative Kirby; by request of Insurance Commissioner.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/13/16
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Prior to July 28, 2013, health care service contractors and health maintenance organizations were required to file their provider contract forms with the Insurance Commissioner (Commissioner). The Commissioner could approve the forms for immediate use. If the Commissioner took no action within 15 days, the forms were deemed approved, unless the Commissioner invoked a 15-day extension.
Beginning July 28, 2013, all carriers were required to file all provider contracts and provider compensation agreements with the Commissioner 30 days before use. A provider contract and its related compensation agreements are deemed approved if the Commissioner does not disapprove them within the 30-day period; the Commissioner may extend the 30-day period by 15 days. Provider compensation agreements are confidential and not subject to public inspection and copying if filed through the system for electronic rate and form filings and the Commissioner's general filing instructions.
The provisions relating to provider contracts and compensation agreements expire on July 1, 2017, after which the requirements relating to provider contract forms, as they existed prior to July 28, 2013, will go back into effect.
Summary of Bill:
The July 1, 2017, expiration date on the provisions relating to the filing of provider contracts and compensation agreements is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 8, 2016.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.