SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2445
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Health & Long Term Care, February 22, 2018
Title: An act relating to online access to health care resources via HEALWA.
Brief Description: Concerning online access to health care resources via HEALWA.
Sponsors: Representatives Macri, Graves, Robinson and Riccelli.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/18, 98-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/22/18, 2/22/18 [DP, w/oRec].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Cleveland, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; Rivers, Ranking Member; Bailey, Conway, Fain, Keiser, Mullet and Van De Wege.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senator Becker.
Staff: Greg Attanasio (786-7410)
Background: In 2007, the University of Washington Health Sciences Library created HEAL-WA in response to a legislative mandate. HEAL-WA is an online health information database that contains evidence based information providing health care professionals with resources and support when making patient care decisions. HEAL-WA contains clinical resources, full-text medical journals, decision support tools, and evidence based reviews of procedures, drugs, and devices. Physicians, nurses, social workers, midwives, and other licensed health care professionals have access to HEAL-WA. The professionals who have access to HEAL-WA are charged an additional licensing fee of up to $25, which is transferred to the University of Washington to fund the database.
Summary of Bill: Veterinarians and veterinarian technicians may access HEAL-WA. Veterinarians and veterinarian technicians must be charged up to an additional $25 in professional licensing fees by the Department of Health for access.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill will allow veterinarians and veterinary technicians access to the latest information they need for their practice. Veterinary health professionals overwhelmingly support gaining access to the HEAL-WA.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Nicole Macri, Prime Sponsor; Greg Hanon, Washington State Veterinary Medical Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.