Read first time 01/30/2003.   Referred to Committee on Health Care.

     AN ACT Relating to physician assistants executing a certain certificate for labor and industries; adding a new section to chapter 51.28 RCW; creating a new section; providing an effective date; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 51.28 RCW to read as follows:
     Physician assistants practicing with physician supervision as required by chapters 18.57A and 18.71A RCW may execute the certificate required by RCW 51.28.020(1) for reports of noncompensable industrial injuries, but not reports of any occupational diseases. Physician assistants may not execute time loss cards related to any industrial injuries or any occupational diseases.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   By December 1, 2005, the department of labor and industries shall report to the senate committee on commerce and trade and the house committee on commerce and labor, or successor committees, on the implementation of this act, including but not limited to the effects of this act on injured worker outcomes, claim costs, and disputed claims.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   Sections 1 and 2 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect July 1, 2003.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   Sections 1 and 2 of this act expire June 30, 2006.