Resource Center Events

2005 Washington Health Legislative Conference

Welcome to the 20th annual Washington Health Legislative Conference: "Health or Health Care? Reframing the Discussion."

Most stakeholders in the health care system agree that things need to change. Though there are a variety of opinions as to what to do, there is a consensus that re-iterating the 'same old problems' will not help. This year, we will reframe the discussion to shed new light on recurrent themes, and invite participants to do the same.

One tool for examining decisions is the precautionary principle, the notion that we should proceed with caution in areas where our science is uncertain. The morning plenary session will examine the implications of this principle as it applies to public health. Steven Gilbert, a toxicologist and founder of the Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders, will lay out the values underlying the precautionary principle and give examples of many international and local settings in which it is invoked.

Dr. Gilbert will be followed by Gary Marchant, a professor of law and director of the Center for the Study of Law, Science & Technology at Arizona State University. Dr. Marchant will explain a cautious view of the precautionary principle. Finally, we will explore how we might talk more productively about the many health policy challenges that involve balancing values with uncertain science. Dr. Frank Gilliam, a 2003 conference favorite, will initiate the discussion, followed by an interactive activity.

The luncheon plenary features Steve Hill, administrator of the Washington State Health Care Authority, who will share Governor Gregoire's priorities for health care funding and state goals. The afternoon break-out sessions will feature leading state policy-makers discussing current health issues, balanced by a cross-section of perspectives from industry professionals. Topics include children's access to health services, the impact of life sciences funds, funding for public health, and more. Please see the full agenda for more sessions and further details.

We look forward to another successful year with the Washington Health Legislative Conference. Many thanks to our sponsors and the hundreds of attendees who make the conference possible.