SB 787

RELATING TO PATIENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ACT

By Senator(s) LEVIN

Keywords: CIVIL REMEDIES AND PROCEEDINGS, CONSUMER PROTECTION, DEPT. OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, DRUGS, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, HEALTH INSURANCE, INSURANCE, PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS, WOMEN

Report Title: Patients' Bill of Rights

Description: Expands rights of enrollees in managed care plans including: emergency care by any provider without prior authorization; access to out-of-network providers; choice of specialist as primary care provider; standing referrals; direct access to OB/GYN specialists; continuity of care; nonformulary medications; prohibition of gag clauses and restrictive financial incentives; creation of health care rights ombudsman; prohibit ban on clinical trial participation; and right to sue for denial of care.

 1-22-99        S Introduced and passed First Reading                      
 1-25-99        S Referred to HHS/CPN, then to WAM                         
 2- 4-99        S Bill scheduled to be heard by HHS/CPN on 02-09-99
                  at 9:00 a.m. in conference room 016
 2- 9-99        S The measure is deferred until 02-17-99 at 1:15 p.m.         
                  in conference room 016.
 2-17-99        S The committees on HHS/CPN recommend that the
                  measure be HELD.
 2-17-99        S The votes in HHS were as follows: 3 Ayes: Senator(s)        
                  Chun Oakland, Iwase, Fukunaga; Ayes with
                  reservations: Senator(s) ; none Noes: Senator(s) ;
                  and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Levin, Anderson
 2-17-99        S The votes in CPN were as follows: 7 Ayes: Senator(s)        
                  Kanno, Taniguchi, Bunda, Hanabusa, Ihara, Inouye,
                  Slom; Ayes with reservations: Senator(s) ; none
                  Noes: Senator(s) ; and 1 Excused: Senator(s)
                  Matsuura