Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 9, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke signs ‘Patient’s Bill of Rights’ legislation

TACOMA — Gov. Gary Locke today took a giant step in helping people get the care they need from managed health care providers.

Locke signed into law what has been called a "patient’s bill of rights" that strikes a balance between providing quality health care and containing rising health-care costs. The legislation will make sure consumers can get information to make informed decisions when they purchase health care and hold accountable their health care plans.

"It’s just unacceptable that medical treatment can be delayed because HMOs and insurance companies question a doctor’s diagnosis," Locke said. "People need to be able to make decisions about their health care with their doctors, not insurance companies, accountants or auditors."

Sen. Lorraine Wojahn, prime sponsor of the bill, echoed the governor’s comments.

"I am calling the patient’s bill of rights a ‘people bill,’" she said. "A life can sometimes hang in the balance while an insurance company decides whether or not to pay. Without the protection of this bill, people could be forced to suffer needlessly or, yes, even die."

The legislation provides several basic rights:

A fast and impartial grievance process to resolve health care disputes.

A timely external and independent medical review of health care disputes.

The right to sue managed care plans if patients believe their managed care system has harmed them through negligence.

The right to get access to information about health care plans.

Protection from unnecessary invasions of health care privacy.

A health plan medical director who is a licensed doctor.

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