SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5530
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 of February 14, 2013
Title: An act relating to requiring physicians and physician assistants to provide requested demographic information at the time of license renewal.
Brief Description: Requiring physicians and physician assistants to provide requested demographic information at the time of license renewal.
Sponsors: Senators Conway, Becker, Keiser, Parlette and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/14/13.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
Background: The Medical Quality Assurance Commission (Commission) establishes and monitors qualifications for licensure of physicians and physician assistants, and enforces practice standards and professional conduct through discipline and continuing education. Physicians and physician assistants renew their licenses on a two-year cycle, in accordance with Commission rules and on a form approved by the Commission. The Commission must request licensees to submit information about their current professional practice at the time of license renewal. This information includes practice setting, medical specialty, board certification, or other relevant data determined by the Commission.
Licensees are not required to provide the information requested of them by the Commission.
Summary of Bill: The Commission must request physicians and physician assistants to submit information about their current professional practice at the time of license renewal and licensees must provide the information requested.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Last year we adopted the requirement that the Commission request demographic data but we are not getting the data that we were trying to get. It is important to have an accurate count of providers and where they practice in the state. We need this to plan for health care in this state. This bill has the support of the Commission and physicians. This strengthens the legislation that was passed last year. This bill has no fiscal impact. It will provide us with information that we can use in emergency and disaster planning.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Conway, prime sponsor; Teresa Landreau, WA Medical Quality Assurance Commission; Melissa McEachron, Medical Quality Assurance Commission, Department of Health.