SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6495
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 of January 29, 2018
Title: An act relating to expanding the extension for community healthcare outcomes program.
Brief Description: Expanding the extension for community healthcare outcomes program.
Sponsors: Senators Becker and Cleveland.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 1/29/18.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE |
Staff: LeighBeth Merrick (786-7445)
Background: Project ECHO is a telehealth model that links primary care clinicians with specialists through real-time learning made possible by videoconferencing technology. This model was founded by the University of New Mexico and the University of Washington was the first place to replicate the model. The model is now being replicated internationally by academic medical centers, community health centers, military health centers, and prisons.
Summary of Bill: In fiscal year 2019, $2 million is appropriated to the University of Washington for the purposes of expanding project ECHO.
The University of Washington medical school is required to submit annual reports to the Legislative fiscal and health care committees on the program's activities, beginning January 1, 2019. The report must include a summary of:
the number of primary care physicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners, registered nurses, physician assistants, and other health care professionals who received training and consultation services through the program during the preceding year in the specialties including: (1) mental health care diabetes treatment; (2) telestroke care; and (3) chronic pain management, including opioid disorder treatment; and
the number of continuing education hours that each profession could potentially accrue if continuing education credits are awarded for participation in the program.
Appropriation: Up to $2 million is appropriated to the University of Washington.
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: Project ECHO increases provider capacity and demonstrates positive patient outcomes. It is a cost-effective model for training clinicians in specialty areas, and allows patients to be treated in their community. Currently, the project ECHO is all funded through grants. This would create stable funding.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Randi Becker, Prime Sponsor; John Scott, Director of Telehealth Services, UW Medicine.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.