SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5927

                      As of March 2, 1999

Title:  An act relating to optometry and adding one public member and one licensed ophthalmologist to the board of optometry and one optometrist to the medical quality assurance commission.

Brief Description:  Increasing membership on the optometry board and the medical quality assurance commission.

Sponsors:  Senator Franklin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  3/2/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff:  Christopher Blake (786-7446)

Background:  Currently there are six members of the Optometry Board: the three members of the Examining Committee for Optometry, two optometrists appointed by the Governor, and a consumer member appointed by the Governor.  The Medical Quality Assurance Commission has 19 members: 13 who are licensed to practice medicine in Washington State, two who are licensed physician assistants, and four members of the public.  Some feel that there needs to be better representation of optometrists and ophthalmologists on these boards.

Summary of Bill:  The Governor must appoint a public member and an ophthalmologist licensed to practice in Washington State to the Optometry Board.  The Governor must also appoint a licensed optometrist to serve on the Medical Quality Assurance Commission.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 23, 1999.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.