March 27, 2006

OLYMPIA… Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed Sen. Dale Brandland’s law enforcement-hospital bill into law. Senate Bill 6106 requires health care providers to disclose specified patient information to law enforcement officials when asked, in cases where a crime is believe to be involved.

Sen. Brandland, R-Whatcom County, who witnessed the bill signing, said the bill will allow hospitals to provide critical information to law enforcement, while keeping them in compliance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

“Law enforcement agencies statewide have been struggling with this issue for years,” Brandland said. “Without this fix, so much evidence can be lost creating a major setback in criminal investigations.”

"This is very important legislation for Washington law enforcement,” said Leo Poort, legal advisor to Seattle’s Chief of Police. “The state law in Washington, with guidance from Sen. Brandland, can use this change to help not only law enforcement in criminal investigations, but also to make hospitals and health care providers feel comfortable sharing information with us on an appropriate basis without liability concerns.”

“It helps law enforcement, it helps health care providers and it helps victims,” Poort added.

Under current law, health care providers “may” provide patient information for purposes of a criminal investigation, which has created confusion for local hospitals. ESSB 6106 provides needed clarity by saying hospitals “shall” release the information.

The bill goes into effect immediately.

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Sen. Dale Brandland, R-Whatcom County, served as Whatcom County sheriff and a Bellingham police officer before being elected to the state Senate in 2002. Brandland serves on the Financial Institutions, Housing and Consumer Protection Committee, Health and Long-Term Care Committee, Human Services and Corrections Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee.  For more information contact Catherine Trinh (360) 786-7503 or trinh.catherine@leg.wa.gov