Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
SSB 5145
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 the membership of the health technology clinical committee.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Senators Dammeier, Frockt, Becker, Bailey, Rivers and Brown).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/17/15
Staff: Alexa Silver (786-7190).
Background:
The Health Care Authority (Authority) coordinates the Health Technology Assessment program, which reviews evidence-based reports about the safety and efficacy of medical devices and procedures, medical equipment, and diagnostic tests.
The Authority selects health technologies to be reviewed in consultation with the Department of Social and Health Services and the Department of Labor and Industries (participating agencies) and the Health Technology Clinical Committee (Committee). Upon selecting a health technology for review, the Authority must contract for a systematic, evidence-based assessment of the technology's safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness.
For each health technology selected, the Committee determines the conditions under which it will be included as a covered benefit in participating agency programs, as well as the criteria for the agencies to use in determining whether the technology is medically necessary. The Committee is required to consider evidence regarding the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of the technology and to provide an opportunity for public comment. In addition, it may establish ad hoc temporary advisory groups for specialized expertise or input from enrollees or clients.
The Committee includes 11 members, six physicians and five other health professionals who use health technology. The members are appointed by the Authority, in consultation with participating agencies. Committee members may not contract with or be employed by a health technology manufacturer or a participating agency in the 18 months before their appointment, are immune from civil liability for official acts performed in good faith as Committee members, and must be compensated in accordance with a personal services contract. The Committee is not a state agency, but its meetings are subject to the Open Public Meetings Act.
Summary of Bill:
The membership of the Health Technology Clinical Committee (Committee) must include at least one member who is a medical expert in the use of the technology being considered by the Committee. The member serves on the Committee with the same rights and responsibilities of standing Committee members, but only for review of the technology in which the member has expertise.
The member must be appointed by the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA). If the WSMA is unable to make the appointment, the administrator of the Health Care Authority or his or her designee must appoint the member.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.