Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1765
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning the license surcharge for the impaired physician program.
Sponsors: Representatives Moeller, Campbell and Morrell.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/10/09
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191)
Background:
The Medical Quality Assurance Commission (MQAC) operates, by contract, an impaired physician program in which both physicians and physician assistants may participate. The Department of Health (DOH) is authorized to include the following in the program:
entering into relationships with professionals who provide either evaluation or treatment services;
receiving and assessing reports of suspected impairment;
intervening in cases of verified impairment, or in cases where there is reasonable cause to suspect impairment;
referring impaired physicians, or physician assistants, for evaluation or treatment;
monitoring the treatment and rehabilitation of impaired physicians and physician assistants;
providing monitoring and continuing treatment and rehabilitative support;
providing prevention and education services; and
providing other activities as agreed by the MQAC and the contracting entity.
As part of their annual fees, physicians and physician assistants are assessed a surcharge to fund this program of $35 for physicians and $25 for physician assistants.
Summary of Bill:
The Medical Quality Assurance Commission (MQAC) is authorized to increase the surcharge for the impaired physician program to $50. The Department of Health (DOH) may not withhold any part of the surcharge or assess any fees related to the collection and administration of the program.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested 2/06/09.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.