SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5175

BYSenators Barr, Conner, Patterson, Owen, McMullen, Metcalf, Sellar, Benitz, Anderson, West, Bauer, Warnke and Kreidler

Regarding rural health care training.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1989; February 2, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5175 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators West, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Johnson, Niemi.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  February 16, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, FEBRUARY 2, 1989

BACKGROUND:

There is a shortage of physicians, nurses and physician assistants in rural areas of the state.  A major problem in attracting and retaining these professionals is the lack of rural-based clinical experience opportunities.  These opportunities would allow students to have a direct exposure to the unique circumstances of providing care in rural areas. 

In its report to the Legislature, the Washington Rural Health Care Commission recommended that more rural-based clinical experience opportunities should be made available as one means of addressing the current shortage problem.

SUMMARY:

The Higher Education Coordinating Board, in consultation with the State Board of Community Colleges and training programs in medicine and nursing, is directed to develop a plan for providing students in nursing and medical training programs with rural training opportunities. 

The board shall inventory current rural-based clinical experience opportunities, identify areas where opportunities do not exist, identify public and private funding for sources and make recommendations on how to improve clinical experience opportunities.  The board shall report to the standing Senate and House health care committees by December 1, 1989 with its recommendations.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Practical nursing training programs are included in the requirement to develop a statewide rural training opportunities plan.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 18, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Steven Meltzer, Eastern Washington Area Health Education Center (pro); Dr. John Anderson (pro); Dr. Stephen Kriebel, Washington State Medical Association (pro); Joe Gatzka, AAPP; Tom Martin, Lincoln Hospital District (pro); Thomas Trompeter, Washington State Primary Care Association (pro); Verne Gibbs, DSHS (pro); Eldon E. Jacobsen, SHCC (pro)