HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2443

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 adding the Washington State University college of medicine to the family medicine residency network.

Brief Description: Adding the Washington State University college of medicine to the family medicine residency network.

Sponsors: Representatives Riccelli, Johnson, Cody, Schmick, Kloba, Vick, Ortiz-Self, Peterson, Stonier, Ryu, Tarleton, Haler, Graves, Harris, Stokesbary, Dent, Robinson, Muri, MacEwen, Clibborn, Maycumber, Appleton, Tharinger, Bergquist, Ormsby and Doglio.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 1/17/18, 1/26/18 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Adds Washington State University's Elson Floyd College of Medicine to the Family Medicine Residency Network.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 15 members: Representatives Macri, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Graves, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Clibborn, DeBolt, Harris, Jinkins, MacEwen, Maycumber, Riccelli, Robinson, Slatter, Stonier and Tharinger.

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

The Family Medicine Residency Network (FMRN) was established in 1975 to help train resident physicians in family medicine. The FMRN provides financial support to residents in programs affiliated with the medical schools in Washington (the University of Washington, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, and Washington State University) and establishes positions for appropriate faculty to staff the programs. The medical schools must prioritize support for health professional shortage areas and give consideration to communities where the population, hospital facilities, number of physicians, and interest in medical education indicate the potential success of a residency program.

The Family Medicine Education Advisory Board (FMEAB) considers and makes recommendations on the selection of areas where affiliated residency programs will exist, the allocation of state funds, and procedures for review and evaluation of the programs. The FMEAB consists of the following members:

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Summary of Bill:

The Washington State University College of Medicine is specifically added to the FMRN. The Dean of the Washington State University College of Medicine must appoint a member to the FMEAB, who will serve as co-chair alongside the appointees from the other medical schools.

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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) This is the natural progression of the Washington State University medical school and reflects the ongoing maturation of the program. The program began coursework in August and has a diverse student body. Graduate medical education and continuing medical education are essential to complete the pipeline to medical practice, but these programs can take time to get up and running. Residencies are the key to adding professionals to rural areas, but can be complicated and expensive. Federal funding for residency programs has been cut, so it is up to the state. Washington State University has been a nonvoting member of the advisory board, but this bill will make the school a full member. Stakeholders are working together to ensure there is an an adequate supply of providers in rural areas.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Riccelli, prime sponsor; Chris Mulick and Josh Jacobs, Washington State University College of Medicine; Dave Knutson, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences; and Ian Goodhew, University of Washington School of Medicine.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.