SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5744

BYSenators West, Niemi, Smith, Wojahn and Johnson

Requiring specified agencies and departments report to the legislature about a study on educational articulation and career mobility for certain health care professions.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 28, 1989; March 1, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5744 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  March 1, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, MARCH 1, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Currently there is a shortage of health professionals in areas of the state.  One factor that may contribute to the shortage is the absence of clear paths of educational articulation and career mobility within some of the health professions.  The Legislature has recognized the importance of this within the nursing profession and responded with legislation.  More information is needed about current problems in other health professions with respect to educational articulation and career mobility.

SUMMARY:

The Higher Education Coordinating Board, in consultation with others, is directed to report to the Legislature by December 1, 1990 on the need for better educational articulation and career mobility in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.  The report shall inventory existing education and training programs, determine whether clear educational articulation and career articulation exists and make recommendations on needed change in education and training programs.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

An appropriation of $45,000 for the biennium is made to the Higher Education Coordinating Board for purposes of conducting the study.

Appropriation:    $45,000

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Jeff Larsen, Washington State Dental Hygienist Association, Washington Osteopathic Medical Association; George Schneider, Washington State Medical Association