SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 5913
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 Amended by House, April 8, 2009
Title: An act relating to online access to the University of Washington health sciences library by certain health care providers.
Brief Description: Concerning online access to the University of Washington health sciences library by certain health care providers.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Pflug, Keiser and Shin).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/19/09, 2/24/09 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 3/09/09, 47-0.Passed House: 4/08/09, 98-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5913 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Fairley, Marr, Murray and Parlette.
Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786-7465)
Background: In 2007 legislation increased annual licensure fees for health care professions by $25. The money was directed to be transferred to the University of Washington (UW) to provide online access to the school's Health Sciences Library.
By January 1, 2009, licensed health care practitioners were to have access to selected vital clinical resources, medical journals, decision support tools, and evidence-based reviews of procedures, drugs, and devices. These practitioners included physicians, osteopathic physicians, physician assistants, naturopaths, podiatrists, chiropractors, psychologists, registered nurses, optometrists, mental health counselors, massage therapists, clinical social workers, and acupuncturists.
Summary of Substitute Bill: Each person who pays the $25 surcharge for access to the UW Health Sciences Library must pay only one surcharge per year, regardless of how many professional licenses the person holds.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This fixes an unintended consequence of the previous legislation. Work is being done to create a database that is useful to the professions being charged the new fee.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Neil Rambo, UW; Melanie Stewart, Podiatric/Counselor Associations.
House Amendment(s): The Department of Health (DOH) must also provide an accounting of the use of the funds paid under the online access program and inform the legislative health care committees by December 1 every year. DOH must also convene a user advisory group to review the online access program and make recommendations for improving the program.