FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 767

PARTIAL VETO

                                  C 415 L 87

BYHouse Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Niemi and P. King) 

Regulating respiratory care practitioners.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The practice of respiratory care is not regulated by the state of Washington.  Respiratory care is the treatment, management, diagnostic testing, rehabilitation and care, under direct medical supervision, of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities affecting the cardiopulmonary system.

SUMMARY:

To adopt or use any title or description of "respiratory care practitioner," a person must be certified by the Department of Licensing.  No entity or person, except rural hospitals, may employ a person practicing respiratory care unless the practitioner is certified.  Exemptions from the certification requirements are provided for practitioners licensed under other laws, United States government employees, students enrolled in an approved education program and nurses using the title "respiratory care practitioner."  Qualifications for certification include graduation from an approved school or completion of alternative training; passage of an examination; and completion of any experience requirement established by the director of the Department of Licensing.  Respiratory care practitioners must practice under the direct orders of a licensed physician.

The director is authorized to adopt rules, set fees, establish forms, issue and renew certificates, hire staff, approve schools and training programs, administer examinations and act as the disciplinary authority under the Uniform Disciplinary Act.

A five-member advisory committee, appointed by the director, is established.  The committee will include three certified respiratory care practitioners, one licensed physician and one person, unaffiliated with the profession, representing the public.  Committee members, the director and departmental staff are not liable in any civil action based on performance of their official acts.

Persons may be certified without state examination if the director determines that the applicant meets commonly accepted standards of education and experience for the profession and has passed an approved examination.

Certified respiratory care practitioners are subject to the procedures and unprofessional conduct provisions of the Uniform Disciplinary Act for the health professions.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 97   0

      Senate    33    13 (Senate amended)

      House 97   0 (House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987

            September 15, 1987 (Section 4)

Partial Veto Summary:  The vetoed section would have prohibited the employment of uncertified respiratory care practitioners.  (See VETO MESSAGE)