HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2435
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 Passed House:
January 28, 2010
Title: An act relating to providing licensed midwives online access to the University of Washington health sciences library.
Brief Description: Concerning midwives.
Sponsors: Representatives Green, Kelley, Roberts, Nelson, Goodman, Hudgins and Hunt.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 1/12/10, 1/15/10 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 1/28/10, 97-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Driscoll, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Campbell, Clibborn, Green, Herrera, Hinkle, Kelley, Moeller, Morrell and Pedersen.
Staff: Chris Cordes (786-7103).
Background:
By law, the Department of Health (DOH) must charge fees to professionals licensed by the DOH. The fees must be based on the cost to the agency for the licensure of the activity or class of activities.
In 2007 a surcharge of up to $25 was added to license fees for certain health professionals to provide online access to selected clinical resources through the University of Washington Health Sciences Library. Beginning January 1, 2009, these licensees were given access to vital clinical resources, medical journals, decision-support tools, and evidence-based reviews of procedures, drugs, and devices.
This online access surcharge is charged to the license fee of physicians and osteopathic physicians, physician assistants, naturopaths, podiatrists, chiropractors, psychologists, registered nurses, optometrists, mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and acupuncturists.
Summary of Bill:
The midwife license fee is increased by up to $25 for online access to the University of Washington Health Sciences Library.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) When the list of professionals who would have access to the University of Washington Health Sciences Library was put together, the midwives were overlooked. Midwives feel that the fee increase is a small price to pay for access to the most up-to-date practice information and for providing evidence-based care for patients.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Green, prime sponsor; and Amber Alvenes and Audrey Levine, Midwives Association of Washington State.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.