Hinkle-sponsored HIV bills move to state Senate

OLYMPIA - Two health-related House bills sponsored by Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, received passing votes and are moving forward to the Senate.

House Bill 1454 would permit workers, considered "at risk" to HIV exposure, to request the people they come in contact with be tested for bloodborne pathogens.

"We have groups of people - including law enforcement, firefighters, health care providers, and correctional officers - who can potentially be exposed to HIV or other bloodborne pathogens from another person's bodily fluids in the course of their employment. When this occurs, an at-risk employee may request testing for HIV for the person he or she came in contact with," stated Hinkle. "House Bill 1454 simply allows an at-risk employee the option to also request testing for other bloodborne pathogens. This is about more safeguards and the health of those who choose to serve our communities."

The bill makes it possible for "at risk employees" to ask for bloodborne pathogens testing when an individual is also being tested for HIV.

House Bill 1190 would prohibit a health care provider from charging for anatomic pathology services unless the service is performed by the provider or under the provider's direction supervision.

Anatomic pathology deals with disease diagnosis by taking samples of an individuals' organs and tissues.

The bill aims to prevent any type of additional service fee charges from providers who do not perform the diagnosis directly or under the direct guidance of the provider.

The bill analysis stated licensed physicians, osteopathic physicians, dentists and pharmacists would be prohibited from receiving a rebate, refund or commission in connection to patient referral for anatomic pathology services.

"This bill is pretty simple. It would prevent licensed health care providers from receiving compensation for services that they did not perform directly," stated Hinkle. "We've seen some abuses and this measure is aimed at stopping them."

House bills 1454 and 1190 received a 93-0 vote from the House.

Both bills are in the Senate Health Care and Long-term Care Committee for a first reading.