SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1216

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

            Health & Long-Term Care, March 31, 1999

Title:  An act relating to removing the termination of the secretary's authority for administrative procedures.

Brief Description:  Removing the termination of the secretary of health's authority for administrative procedure.

Sponsors:  Representatives Parlette and Cody; by request of Department of Health.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  3/18/99, 3/31/99 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Thibaudeau, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Costa, Deccio, Franklin and Winsley.

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

Background:  In 1998, the Legislature directed the Department of Health, in consultation with health profession boards and commissions, to consolidate the administrative requirements for the regulation of all health care professions into one process.  This resulted in a single, uniform administrative process for application procedures for health care credentials, license renewals, auditing continuing education requirements and reissuing expired credentials.

After March 1, 1999, this rulemaking authority of the Secretary of Health expires and is transferred to the various boards or commissions.  Rules previously adopted by the secretary establishing the uniform administrative procedures and requirements do not remain in effect after March 1, 1999.

Summary of Bill:  The expiration of the authority of the Secretary of Health to establish uniform procedures and requirements for the credentialing of the regulated health professions is repealed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill allows the Department of Health to continue a successful process.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Patty Hayes, Pat Brown, DOH.