AN ACT Relating to hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening;
Summary
HB 1674 would require health care entities that provide primary care services to offer hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening tests to adult patients during annual physicals, wellness visits, or the first visit with a new provider, so long as the patient meets the latest CDC screening indications. The bill also requires culturally and linguistically appropriate offering of the tests, allows certain exceptions, and requires follow-up care or referral if a hepatitis B surface antigen test or hepatitis C screening test is positive. For hepatitis C, follow-up care must include a diagnostic test to confirm active infection.
The bill further requires primary care providers to send routine mailers or electronic communications to eligible patients informing them about the availability and importance of hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening. It also requires affected providers to complete hepatitis B and hepatitis C training modules offered online by the University of Washington by a specified date, with new providers completing the training before offering primary care services. The Department of Health is authorized to adopt rules to implement the section and may add additional rules related to screening, treatment requirements, and training.
Impact
The bill would add a new section to chapter 70.05 RCW and create a statewide screening and referral framework for hepatitis B and hepatitis C in primary care settings. It affects health care entities where primary care is provided, including unlicensed health care clinics, urgent care clinics, and other settings offering primary care services, while also defining screening, diagnostic testing, follow-up care, and primary care services for purposes of the law. The bill states that it does not expand or reduce a provider's scope of practice or legal obligations, and it limits liability and licensure consequences for entities that fail to comply with the new screening-offer requirements.
Sentiment
The bill text and available context suggest a public health-oriented measure aimed at increasing early detection and treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no direct evidence of opposition or support from legislative debate in the materials supplied. The overall framing of the bill is preventive and clinical, with an emphasis on standardized screening, patient outreach, and provider education.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the mandate-like nature of the screening offer, the administrative burden on primary care entities, and the required training and communication obligations for providers. Another possible issue is the bill's application to unlicensed clinics and urgent care settings, as well as the requirement that offers be culturally and linguistically appropriate, which may raise implementation and compliance questions. The bill also includes exceptions for emergencies, prior offers or testing, and lack of patient capacity to consent, which may be areas where providers seek clarification.