41.05.280 - Department of corrections -- Inmate health care.

Department of corrections — Inmate health care.

The department of corrections shall consult with the state health care authority to identify how the department of corrections shall develop a working plan to correspond to the health care reform measures that require all departments to place all state purchased health services in a community-rated, single risk pool under the direct administrative authority of the state purchasing agent by July 1, 1997.

[1998 c 245 § 39; 1993 c 504 § 3.]

Notes: Findings -- 1993 c 504: "The legislature finds that Washington state government purchases approximately one-fourth of all the health care statewide. In addition to this huge expenditure, the state also faces health care inflation rates, far exceeding the growth rate of the economy as a whole and the general inflationary rate. Together these factors are straining state resources beyond our capability to pay.

     The legislature finds that the department of corrections is responsible for providing health care to a large and growing number of offenders. It is also facing rapidly escalating medical, dental, and mental health care expenditures. As a result of this, the department must review its entire inmate health care system and take steps to reduce health care expenditures.

     The legislature further finds that efforts to achieve statewide health care reform should also include the department of correction's health care facilities. In this light, the department must develop an appropriate plan that will correspond to the changing health care environment." [1993 c 504 § 1.]

Effective date -- 1993 c 504: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [May 18, 1993]." [1993 c 504 § 4.]