5241 AMS BRAU S4915.1
SB 5241 - S AMD TO S AMD (S-4880.1/24) 613
By Senator Braun
NOT ADOPTED 02/08/2024
Beginning on page 18, line 22, after "(1)" strike all material through "act" on page 19, line 2 and insert "For any material change transaction included under RCW 19.390.040(3), that is not limited to the preliminary review under section 10 of this act or being reviewed under the emergency review process pursuant to RCW 19.390.040(4) the attorney general may, in consultation with the secretary of health, hire an expert independent contractor to prepare a health equity assessment if, in the opinion of the attorney general and secretary of health, an assessment is necessary based on the likely negative impact of the transaction on the elements in subsection (3) of this section. The independent contractor shall be screened for any conflicts of interest in advance, agree to maintain confidentiality of information pursuant to this act, agree to charge a reasonable market rate fee, and have necessary experience and expertise in health planning, economics, operations, and financial analysis. In creating a health equity assessment, the independent contractor must engage with and provide input in the assessment from the department of health, local public health jurisdictions, emergency health care coalitions, health care entities, public health experts, organizations representing employees of the applicant, health care advocates, community members who reside in the service areas of the parties to the material change transaction, the parties to the material change transaction, and other individuals or organizations the attorney general, secretary of health, or independent consultant determine should be consulted. Any assessment conducted under this section must be completed 30 days prior to the attorney general's deadline to complete a review under section 10 of this act."
On page 20, line 13, after "(j)" strike "An" and insert "In consultation with the department of health, an"
On page 20, at the beginning of line 15, strike "with specific input from the department of health"
On page 21, line 3, after "to" insert "approve,"
On page 21, line 4, after "modifications" insert ","
EFFECT: Modifies the health equity assessment process used in comprehensive review to require the Attorney General to consult with the Secretary of Health on the hiring of an independent contractor to conduct the assessment.
Requires specific expertise for the independent contractor.
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