FINAL BILL REPORT
EHB 2755
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. |
C 131 L 20
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning transparency regarding the cost of air ambulance services.
Sponsors: Representatives Schmick, Caldier and Cody.
House Committee on Health Care & Wellness
Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care
Background:
All-Payer Claims Database.
In 2014 legislation was enacted directing the Office of Financial Management (OFM) to establish a statewide all-payer health care claims database (APCD). The OFM used a competitive procurement process to select a lead organization to coordinate and manage the APCD. The stated goals of the APCD are to improve transparency to:
assist patients, providers, and hospitals to make informed choices about care;
enable providers, hospitals, and communities to benchmark their performance;
enable purchasers to identify value, build expectations into their purchasing strategies, and reward improvements over time; and
promote competition based on quality and cost.
Data from the APCD are available to consumers and other interested parties through Washington HealthCareCompare. The website allows searches to find doctor groups and hospitals, and to compare prices for common medical procedures and treatment at nearby hospitals, ambulatory surgery and other outpatient health centers.
In 2019 the authority and oversight over the APCD was transitioned from the OFM to the Health Care Authority.
Air Ambulance Regulation.
The Department of Health (DOH) is responsible for licensing emergency medical services agencies and services, including air ambulance services. Currently, there are three licensed air ambulance services in Washington.
The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 prohibits states from regulating the price, route, or service of an air carrier, including air carriers that provide air ambulance services.
Summary:
The lead organization for the APCD must make information about air ambulance service claims data available on a publicly available website in a searchable format by geographic region, provider, and other relevant information.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 98 | 0 | |
Senate | 47 | 0 |
Effective: | June 11, 2020 |