HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6264

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored bySenators Metcalf, Kreidler, Smith and Anderson)

Requiring a report on the management of infectious wastes.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Rust, Chair; Valle, Vice Chair; Brekke, Ferguson, Jesernig, May, Pruitt, Schoon, Sprenkle, Unsoeld and Walker.

House Staff:Susan Gulick (786-7116)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 1, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Infectious wastes are generally defined as those capable of producing an infectious disease.  They include waste blood and body parts, instruments and supplies, and lab cultures. Health officials are devoting increasing attention to the public health risks associated with the management and disposal of potentially infectious wastes. Considerable uncertainty exists within the public health community regarding the specific sources of infectious wastes and their associated risks.

The State Board of Health is authorized to adopt regulations for the prevention of health hazards related to solid and liquid waste disposal, and for the prevention of infectious diseases. The Board has adopted regulations requiring hospitals to handle and dispose of infectious wastes properly, but has not adopted regulations regarding infectious wastes which pertain to other sectors of the waste stream.  The Department of Ecology is authorized to and has adopted standards for solid waste management and disposal.  The Department of Ecology has not adopted regulations specific to the handling and disposal of infectious wastes.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Ecology is directed to assess the risks to public health from infectious waste, including identification of those diseases presenting the greatest risks, and those waste streams representing the highest risks. The department must also review existing infectious waste management practices and regulatory programs, assess preferred management practices, and recommend legislation and appropriations.  A cost analysis must be prepared for elements of the report reviewing local government waste management practices.

The Department of Social and Health Services will assist the Department of Ecology and will be primarily responsible for an assessment of health care facilities and the environmental transmission of infectious agents in solid, liquid or airborne wastes.  The Departments of Ecology and Social and Health Services will consult with local health departments and others in preparing the report. 

A report will be transmitted to the Legislature by January 1, 1990. The act expires January 1, 1990.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.