SB 5736-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Requires that chiropractic care provided to an injured worker through the division of industrial insurance must be within the scope of practice under chapter 18.25 RCW and limited to the treatment of acute conditions.

     Authorizes denial of payment for services billed in violation of rules or fees schedules.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5736-S

                    May 18, 1993

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval of sections 2 and 3, Substitute Senate Bill No. 5736 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to chiropractic care for industrial insurance;"

     Section 2 of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5736 would create the position of associate medical director for chiropractic in state statute.  It is my understanding that the Department of Labor and Industries has funding for such a position and intends to hire a qualified candidate.  No position other than the Director of the Department of Labor and Industries is currently specified in statute.  This requirement appears to be overly prescriptive and limits the discretion of the agency's director.

     Section 3 would prohibit the termination of treatment based solely on the number of treatments.  This provision is not consistent with the direction in which our state is moving with regard to health care reform.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed sections 2 and 3, of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5736.

     With the exception of sections 2 and 3, Substitute Senate Bill No. 5736 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor