HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1667
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to fairness and equity in health professions licensing fees.
Brief Description: Regarding fairness and equity in health professions licensing fees.
Sponsors: Representatives Green, Cody, Morrell, Ormsby, Moeller and Simpson.
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/14/07, 2/27/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Barlow, Campbell, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Condotta and Curtis.
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
The Secretary of Health (Secretary) and the various health profession boards and
commissions regulate the 57 health professions and 45 types of health care facilities and
services. The Secretary is responsible for establishing fees for all of these regulated entities.
Fees must be established according to the amount necessary to defray the costs of
administering the program. Fees may be waived by the Secretary when it is determined that
it is not in the best interest of public health and safety.
Health professions are categorized in one of three levels of regulation. There are general
characteristics associated with each category, however, in several cases there are variations
from these features. Registration is the least restrictive form of regulation and it simply
requires a submission of formal notification to the Secretary of the applicant's intent to
practice a profession. Certification offers title protection for having met education and
examination requirements, however, there is no requirement that individuals practicing a
certified profession become certified in order to practice. Licensing requires that an applicant
pass an examination and complete an educational program in order to practice the profession.
In the 2006 Supplemental Operating Budget, the Department of Health (Department) was
instructed to evaluate alternative models for funding the regulation of the health professions.
The study identified an option for funding health professions regulation which established
fees according to the level of credentialing. Under this option, licensed health care providers
would pay $125, certified health care providers would pay $50, and registered health care
providers would pay $30.
Summary of Bill:
When adopting fees for health profession credentials, the Secretary must establish the fees so
that they are equal for all health professions within each of the three categories of
credentialing: registered, certified, and licensed. Fee levels must be sufficient to cover the
costs of administering all of the professions within each category.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill gives the Department the ability to collect funds in fewer subaccounts
of the Health Professions Account. The number of midwives has significantly decreased as
their fees have increased. This bill will preserve affordable access to childbirth care. This
bill has the potential to fix the health professions fee system. This bill more evenly
distributes the burden of funding the credentialing and disciplinary work of the Department.
(With concerns) The current system of having each profession pay for the cost of their
regulation is the most appropriate method for determining fees.
(Opposed) This bill does not say how the money collected will be distributed among the
professions. National organizations have endorsed the current professional fee system that
Washington uses.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Green, prime sponsor; Nick Federici and
Audrey Levine, Midwives Association of Washington; Erin Greenlee; and Carolee Hall.
(With concerns) Joan Garner, Washington State Nurses Association.
(Opposed) Tim Layton, Washington State Medical Association.